Purpose
The Advancing Women in STEM courses project focuses on gender equity issues across all Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines at Charles Darwin University. The strategy has been developed by the Faculty of Science and Technology with a mission to demonstrate a strong commitment and support for gender equality in STEM courses through a strategic approach for enhancing participation and retention.
Women in STEM
Locally, regionally, and nationally there has been a great deal of work in different aspects of gender equity in STEM, but there is still a long way to go. It is well documented that nationally there is an underrepresentation of girls and women in STEM education and careers, and there is an Australian Government strategy for Advancing Women in STEM. The strategy takes into consideration existing activities, services and frameworks from within CDU and also from external industry and government sectors.
Women in STEM Courses Strategy (PDF, 174.64 KB)
Goals
- Encourage student participation and inclusiveness across all STEM Courses, particularly engineering and IT
- Provide professional development and support for female students in STEM courses
- Make CDU services and resources for female students in STEM courses visible
- Support flexible learning approaches to enable students to meet study, work and personal commitments
Women in STEM at CDU
Louise McCormick
YouTube Video
Elisha Wright
YouTube Video
Celebrating women in STEM
Positive planning map and toolkit
This training tool has been developed as part of a Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) funded project for Advancing Women in STEM Courses by the Faculty of Science and Technology. The lead creator was Alison Lockley (CleverCat Consulting) with input from Cat Kutay (CDU) and Amanda Janssen (UniSA).
The project acknowledges the input from other stakeholders at CDU and Industry Groups such as Engineering Australia, Australian Computer Society and InspiredNT. There is special acknowledgement for input by student focus groups.
This tool draws on Indigenous (First Peoples’) knowledges and has permission from Indigenous people involved in the development of the ebook. A First Peoples’ Icon used is used throughout this ebook, that shows a representation of The Pedestrian. The pedestrian walks through country and gathers knowledge as they go.
The visualisations for self-reflection are written and narrated by Jane Austin, VET Assessment & Work Based Learning Specialist, CDU.
Insights to industry – Women in STEM Mentoring Program
Insights to industry – Women in STEM Mentoring Program
The Women in STEM Mentoring Program, offered since March 2022, supports the professional development of students identifying as female, by connecting them with inspirational female leaders in STEM industries.
Contact Caroline Thompson in the CDU Careers Centre for more information or follow the CDU Careers Centre LinkedIn page.
E: caroline.thompson@cdu.edu.au
L: CDU Careers Centre: Company Page Admin | LinkedIn
Women in STEM courses at CDU Network
CDU leverages links with existing networks. These include, but are not limited to, those shown below.