Less than a third of STEM graduates are women

Fewer than one third of Australian graduates from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are women, according to a new report from the government’s Chief Scientist.

The report finds that just 29% of STEM-qualified university graduates are female.

Among people in STEM positions with vocational education and training (VET) qualifications, this figure falls even further to 9%, meaning women make up only 16% of all Australian STEM-qualified people.

Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel said the report also identified a pay gap between men and women across all STEM fields that cannot be fully explained by maternity leave or the increased proportion of women working part-time.

For example, while 32% of male STEM graduates are in the top income bracket, earning $104,00 per year or more, only 12% of female STEM graduates are in this bracket.

The government is holding a roundtable discussion in Brisbane today aimed at improving opportunities for women in STEM and entrepreneurship, which is a key component of the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA).

Assistant Minister for Science Karen Andrews said steps should be taken to improve the participation of women in the STEM workforce.

“We know too few girls are studying maths and science at school, and those who do still face significant obstacles to building sustainable, long-term careers that make use of their STEM skills and knowledge,” she said.

“What we need is action. Fortunately, there are a number of exciting and proven initiatives that NISA can build on.”

The findings formed part of a wider report looking at the sort of roles the STEM-qualified population are working in, based on data from the 2011 census.

The report finds that Australians with STEM skills are working across the Australian economy, in roles ranging from winemaking to financial analysis.

Most graduates gravitate towards one of six industries, which together employ 65% of all STEM graduates — professional, scientific and technical services (25%), manufacturing (10%), public administration and safety (10%), education and training (10%), heath care and social assistance (6%) and financial and insurance services (5%).

Image courtesy of 20after4 under CC