As a female student in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math), I have always struggled to find female role models in the field to inspire me. Just like me, many other women in STEM face the same struggle - we feel under-represented. This is largely because our courses almost totally focus on the work of men in science. This is why I’m calling for increased representation of women in our STEM curriculum.

NSW students in Year 11 or Year 12 Science are learning about nearly 80 male scientists, but only 2 female scientists. This bias in the curriculum conveys to students that a career in science is most appropriate only for men. It incorrectly implies that women have rarely made significant contributions to the field. 

I want to rectify this imbalance in the curriculum. A simple change to balance representation of females in the curriculum can make STEM accessible to so many more young women. It can inspire them to believe they can be leaders in the field. 

You can’t be what you can’t see. Let’s alter the curriculum to make it more representative of women. A small step in making the field more inclusive could result in a huge increase in female enrolment and participation. It is high time our curriculum began reflecting this truth.

Please sign and share the petition calling on NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to increase representation of women in STEM courses.