The Coalition Government will help support women pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries, research sector, start-ups and entrepreneurial firms by investing $13 million over five years.

Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the investment will support greater participation of girls and women in what are predominantly male-dominated fields.

“We will help address this challenge by encouraging greater gender equity in STEM organisations and STEM-based industries.”

Projects to be implemented will:

• Support the expansion of the Science in Australia Gender Equity pilot to cover more Australian science and research institutions;
• Establish a new initiative under the ‘Male Champions of Change’ project to focus on STEM-based and entrepreneurial industries; and
• Partner with the private sector on initiatives to celebrate female STEM role models and foster interest in STEM among girls and women.