Today in Parliament Abigail spoke about the amazing contributions of women and girls in STEM, and pushed for the Government to do better in breaking down barriers to opportunity, participation and equality.
Ms ABIGAIL BOYD (10:06): I move:
(1) That this House notes that 11 February 2022 was International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which celebrated the contributions of women and girls in leading innovation, change and sustainable development in science and technology.
(2) That this House notes that, according to a report by the Australian Academy of Science entitled 'Impact of COVID-19 on Women in the STEM Workforce', published in July 2021:
(a) lack of opportunities is the top motivating factor for why women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM] would leave their careers in STEM;
(b) COVID-19 has exacerbated gender inequity in the STEM workforce, with challenges and barriers having a significant impact on individual wellbeing and mental health; and
(c) there is a growing need for governments and STEM-related organisations to address this inequity by implementing policy that embeds more flexible workplace cultures and increases the opportunities available for women.
(3) That this House calls on the New South Wales Government to take direct action to break barriers that prevent women and girls from entering and participating in STEM fields, and make gender equality a priority through robust policy and initiatives.
Motion agreed to.
The full transcript can be found here.