The Liberal National Government is investing in the next generation of female technology professionals with a $16,750 funding boost going towards an industry partnership with Women in Technology WA (WiTWA).
Deputy Premier and Women's Interests Minister Liza Harvey said the grant would support a suite of initiatives to encourage more women and girls to pursue education and careers in the traditionally male dominated science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields.
"The fastest growing occupations are in STEM fields. They are no longer the jobs of the future, they are the jobs of today," Ms Harvey said.
"Yet women remain under-represented in training and careers for many STEM related fields for reasons ranging from stereotyping, gender bias and a need for flexible and inclusive workplaces.
"Our economy cannot thrive with a significant percentage of the population left behind. Supporting women's participation in these fields will not only improve their economic independence, it will benefit us all."
The funding would support four WiTWA initiatives:
- Techtrails program - funding to expand the program designed to motivate secondary students to explore and pursue careers in technology
- Techtrails for teachers - two half-day events for teachers and career advisers aimed at raising their awareness and understanding of career options in STEM fields available to girls
- WiTWA Women Boardroom Series Industry Council - two round table events targeted at women aspiring to leadership and board roles
- WITWA TechXchange - to support university students, women starting out in their careers, new migrants and women returning to work after a career break to attend these bi-monthly networking and information sharing events.
The Deputy Premier said the initiatives advanced the outcomes of the first Women's Consultative Forum that focused on encouraging more women and girls to take up STEM study and careers.
Fact File
Deputy Premier and Women's Interests Minister's office - 6552 5900
