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New research reveals alarming stats for Aussie girls and STEM

Education, Living, Parenting

New research has revealed that though Australian girls are interested in STEM, they still don’t see the career opportunities and lack awareness of female role models in the industry.

The study, commissioned by flagship Microsoft Store in Sydney found that, while there is a rise in girls interested in working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), there is still a long way to go to inspire young women to explore and consider a career in this area. 

The research reveals that, among young females aged 12-17 years old in Australia, 52% would be open to a job within the field of technology or science. Of the participants who said that they wouldn’t explore a role in this field, 30% attributed this to the fact that they don’t know enough about the jobs they could do, indicating that a large proportion of Australian girls are not being inspired or incentivised to find out more about STEM opportunities.

Furthermore, while 95% of girls surveyed said it is important to have female role models in STEM, only 18% could name a female STEM role model, and none could name a modern-day figure, with Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, and Katherine Johnson topping the list.   

  • More than half of Aussie girls (52%) would consider a role in STEM, with almost half of those calling out that they have a teacher who is a role model for them 
  • Of those who wouldn’t consider a career in STEM, 30% attributed this to the fact that they don’t know enough about the jobs they could do 
  • 95% of young girls say it’s important for them to have a female role model working in STEM 
  • Only 18% of young girls can name a female role model working in STEM 

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By Claire Gilligan
WITH A FIFO HUSBAND WHO WORKS AWAY WEEKS AT A TIME, CLAIRE ENJOYS FINDING FUN, LOCAL THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT TO OCCUPY HER AND HER TWO GIRLS' TIME. ORIGINALLY FROM SYDNEY, CLAIRE AND HER FAMILY LOVE ALL THE THINGS THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS TO OFFER AND ENJOY SHOWING IT OFF TO VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Kids on the Coast is a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

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