Survey finds lack of equal pay, representation, and support for women in STEM industries

The Women Staying in The STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Workforce report has found that women in these industries face a gender pay gap of 22 per cent, when compared to their male counterparts.

The report has also found that COVID-19 has resulted in higher job losses among women, when compared to men.

Compiled by Professionals Australia, the report also states that women represented only 29 per cent of the university-qualified STEM workforce and over one-third of the female STEM workforce surveyed, aged 25 to 35, intended to leave their profession within five years.

Additionally, across all of the 19 industry divisions, only one – Healthcare and Social Assistance – employed more female than male STEM graduates.

Professionals Australia CEO Jill McCabe said the report highlights the gulf in pay, conditions and support for female STEM workers when compared to men.

“The survey found that many women in STEM planned to leave the industry, with pay, conditions and a lack of career advancement among the top reasons for doing so. The pandemic has also created a further ‘push’ factor,” McCabe said.

“This confirms that we need urgent organisational changes to ensure the retention of women in STEM fields and that increasing the number of female STEM graduates alone isn’t enough.”

McCabe added that the pandemic has emphasised the need for support within all 19 industry divisions.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted the crucial role our STEM professionals play in shaping public life and outcomes. It’s only fair this value is reflected in their pay and workplace conditions,” she said.

“Urgently addressing the gender pay gap and the organisational factors behind the attrition of women from STEM fields must be part of any plan to re-build the STEM workforce for an equitable post-COVID future.”

To access the full report, click here.

Related stories: