In the dynamic realm of engineering, a world of possibilities beckons those with the vision and drive to shape the future, to tackle challenges head-on, and to leave an indelible mark on society. Yet, within this landscape of innovation and problem-solving, a disheartening gender divide casts a shadow, revealing a stark reality: women constitute a mere 13 per cent of Australia’s engineering workforce. This glaring underrepresentation raises important questions about equality, untapped potential and the need to bridge this divide.
GIE team with Rio Tinto in Karijini National Park
To address this, and create a pipeline of opportunities for the future, The University of Western Australia’s Girls+ in Engineering (GiE) program is designed to inspire female students to take advantage of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) study and career pathways, focusing on areas of science where women are underrepresented.
Inaugurated in 2014 as a joint initiative between UWA and Rio Tinto, the program has gone from strength to strength and was named as a finalist in the 2022 Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards, Industry Engagement category and the 2023 Premier’s Science Awards, Science Initiative of the Year.
GiE’s engagement framework is modelled on the Women in STEM Decadal Plan, Australia’s national strategic initiative aimed at achieving gender equity and inclusion in the STEM fields. The framework sees current UWA students and industry partner representatives volunteering in schools as role models, sharing their lived experiences, demystifying STEM careers, and educating students about engineering career options. Along with industry partners, GiE recognises the importance of early intervention and offers a suite of in-school workshops and immersive on- campus events for students in years three to 12.
For current UWA students, the GiE Student Ambassador program provides a support network and opportunities to gain real-work experience in industry. The program offers professional development, mentoring, industry site visits, networking and regional travel opportunities for female and non-binary STEM students.
Duncraig SHS students at the GIE Discovery Day event
Since 2014, GiE has reached more than 15,000 school students across WA, mentored more than 250 UWA student ambassadors and collaborated with more than 200 industry volunteers. The program extends its gratitude to GiE’s foundational partner Rio Tinto and 2023 industry partners including SLB, Newmont, and Newcrest.
Demonstrating UWA’s commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion in STEM, the program also aligns with the Australian Government’s Advancing Women in STEM strategy and is a strong example of how UWA is working together with WA schools, universities, and industry to lead the future of sustainable and equitable engineering.
To find out more information about the program or how you can get involved, contact [email protected]
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