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In June 2024, the Australian government\u00a0ended the Women in STEM Ambassador program<\/a>. The decision followed a report that urged a broader, intersectional approach to diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).<\/p>\n For six years, under the leadership of\u00a0astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith<\/a>, the program contributed to research, tools and resources aimed at breaking down structural barriers that limit women\u2019s and girls\u2019 participation in STEM education and careers.<\/p>\n At the time, the move to scrap it\u00a0was framed as a step toward more inclusive progress<\/a>.<\/p>\n Does that reasoning still hold one year later?\u00a0As diversity and inclusion efforts face global cutbacks<\/a>, it\u2019s more important than ever to reflect on where Australia is heading. Are we truly building a more equitable STEM future?<\/p>\n Structural barriers have long limited participation in STEM for women, people of colour, First Nations communities, people with disabilities, and those in low socioeconomic groups.<\/p>\n Such barriers<\/a>\u00a0include stereotypes and bias, a lack of role models, limited flexible work arrangements, and inadequate parental leave and childcare support.<\/p>\n If we achieved equity in STEM, everyone \u2013 including entire groups who have been systemically excluded in the past \u2013 would have equal access to opportunities, resources and recognition.<\/p>\n For a young Aboriginal woman studying engineering in a regional town, it would mean the same chance to apply for internships at top firms as peers who live in cities. She would have the same access to well-equipped labs and mentoring programs, and an equal likelihood of being nominated for academic awards or leadership roles.<\/p>\n Improving diversity in STEM is also critical to Australia\u2019s capacity for innovation, particularly as we face global challenges such as climate change, disruption from artificial intelligence, and geopolitical instability.<\/p>\n Diverse STEM teams are\u00a0more likely to approach problems from multiple perspectives<\/a>. They embody democratic values, driving innovation and strengthening resilience in the face of complex issues.<\/p>\n Yet, despite decades of gender-focused programs, meaningful progress has been limited.\u00a0STEM Equity Monitor 2024<\/a>\u00a0data show that while the number of women in STEM has increased, only 37% of university STEM enrolments are women. When it comes to STEM jobs in Australia, only 15% are occupied by women.<\/p>\nWhy diversity in STEM matters<\/h4>\n