Occasional Paper: Busting myths about women in STEM

The Office of the Chief Scientist has published the 13th paper in the Occasional Paper Series, Busting myths about Women in STEM.

The paper dispels four damaging and persistent myths facing women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and highlights the need for ongoing action to encourage and support women to pursue careers in these areas.

It shows that women are just as talented and capable as men in STEM fields, but the gender pay gap, workplace discrimination and a belief that STEM professions are “male” roles discourage girls and women from pursuing these careers

The paper is accompanied by an illustrated datasheet, Women in STEM: A story of attrition.The datasheet shows how Australia’s gender STEM imbalance persists from the classroom through to the workplace.

The publications and their associated references / technical notes can be downloaded below.

Busting myths about Women in STEM

Busting myths about Women in STEM – references

Women in STEM: A story of attrition

Women in STEM: A story of attrition – technical notes