Written by Mikayla Howard
The 11th of February 2025 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, implemented by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It’s aim is to recognise the crucial role of women and girls in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
My name is Mikayla, and I am about to begin my third year in a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, with a specialisation in ecology and conservation.
I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career that would be both challenging and fulfilling. I spent my childhood on a small farm, constantly exposed to the differing ways of farming, and the negative impacts of agricultural practices that were not particularly sustainable.
I really wanted a career where no two days would be the same and I would always be aiming to find solutions to various problems. Ultimately, this led me to choosing a career in the environmental science industry.
Throughout the duration of the course thus far, I have met a variety of like-minded women also on similar career paths, with a large portion of the cohort being women.
As a woman in the science realm, my university days consist of attending classes which equip me with knowledge and skills in conservation, ecology, and geospatial technologies… just to name a few! I have also visited some beautiful areas and studied some amazing Australian flora and fauna species as part of my degree!
UNESCO highlights that while STEM fields are an absolutely crucial aspect of the world, gender equality has not been reached within it. For example, only an average of 33.3% of researchers in STEM are female!
If I have learnt anything so far it is that diversity in the STEM industry is key! Diversity provides an array of perspectives, which often leads to the best possible outcomes in response to a wide variety of environmental issues.
I have also been fortunate enough to complete some work placements with various local employers, where I gained an insight into the various roles within the environmental science industry.
During these placements I met many inspiring women who work in the industry and who explained to me that, although as women we do sometimes have to battle with balancing our career expectations with societal expectations there is no reason why we shouldn’t be able play a vital role in the STEM industry… in fact it is critical!
So if a career in STEM is something you have considered, take the leap now! You won’t regret it!
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