The federal government is stepping up its support for women in STEM careers with a number of events planned across the APAC region over the next 12 months.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews has announced a series of partnerships in the Asia-Pacific to support female leaders in business and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The highlight will be the ASEAN Women in Innovation Leadership Dialogue to be hosted in 2020 as part of the World Economic Forum’s program in Asia.

It will include the annual ASEAN meeting – bringing together business leaders, policymakers, innovators and influencers to showcase the best female talent and boost the level of human capital in the region, Ms Andrews said.

“The World Economic Forum is a pinnacle event, and we look forward to engaging across the region to showcase the importance and opportunity that STEM skills provide,” she said.

In the lead-up to this event, Ms Andrews will host a preliminary event in Australia later this year.

The federal government will also be partnering with Asialink Business to support a delegation of high-profile science and business leaders to attend the Dialogue to showcase and connect stellar female talent across the Asia-Pacific region.

Only 28 percent of management positions held by women

“Delivering renewed focus on the STEM skills pipeline across the region is essential to boosting productivity, growing the economy and creating new jobs,” Ms Andrews said.

“STEM organisations are lacking when it comes to female representation, with only 28 per cent of management positions and eight per cent of CEO and executive positions held by women.”

To further promote women in STEM, Ms Andrews said Australia’s science agency, CSIRO is supporting the 16th Gender Summit which will be hosted in Singapore in August.

“This conference builds the knowledge we need to achieve greater gender equity in our world-class science community. It also opens doors to partner with our closest neighbours on the new technologies that will grow our economies and change our lives in the future.”

Ms Andrews said the events build on the Government’s Advancing Women in STEM strategy, through improved education, supporting women in STEM careers and making women in STEM visible.