Perth’s Resources Technology Showcase: Ratio of girls in STEM too low, say resources leaders

When asked for a rating out of 10 on how well girls are being engaged in science, technology, engineering and maths, a panel of senior resources women at the Resources Technology Conference has painted a depressing picture.

The best-case scenario came from Fortescue Metals Group chief executive Elizabeth Gaines with a four out of 10.

WA Education Department director-general Lisa Rodgers rated it at a lowly two out of 10.

“I’d like it to be at least an 8 out of 10 but we’re sitting at a two, however we can turn this around; today we’ve had 4000 interested and excited students come to the innovation showcase and see the wide range of career opportunities open to them if they pursue the STEM path,” Ms Rodgers said.

All panel participants agreed that there had been a lot of talk over the years but now it was time for action.

BHP head of inclusion and diversity and workplace transition Fiona Vines said things had gone backwards and that at this rate, BHP’s goal of gender balance by 2025 was unattainable unless more women and girls became involved in STEM programs.

PwC national skills lead Sara Caplan said the term STEM itself was causing a barrier with there being a lack of understanding about the huge range of jobs and career opportunities.

“Our role in the corporate section is to tell the story better, remove this concept of mining being about boom and bust or jobs being replaced by machines because the reality is we’re in a different phase now and people are central to that,” Ms Gaines said.

Woodside executive vice-president and chief financial officer Sherry Duhe said getting parents talking about the unlimited opportunities was essential and that in addition to STEM, understanding that values, philosophy, how to deal with conflict and being creative, were also keys to real change.

Fortescue Metals Group deputy chair Sharon Warburton backed this, saying parents were in an important position to break down the myths that mining was unsafe or the roles in the industry were unsuitable for girls.

Respected industry veteran Erica Smyth spoke about curiosity being central and that teachers should encourage all students regardless of gender.