Engineers Australia welcomes PM’s comments on female engineers

Engineers Australia has welcomed Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s comments on gender diversity, made during an address to the Equal Futures Partnership in New York on 25 September.

In a high-level address hosted by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of attracting more women to traditionally male-dominated occupations, drawing particular attention to the need for more women engineers.

“Engineers Australia has been working hard to attract more women to the engineering profession, and today’s comments from the Prime Minister are a fitting recognition of the importance of gender diversity across our workforce,” said CEO of Engineers Australia Stephen Durkin.

“Engineers Australia believes that attracting more women to the engineering profession is a critical step in solving our skills shortage, and we wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s comments.

“The proportion of degree-qualified female engineers sits at just 12.7%, and female engineers represent just 10.5% of the engineering labour force. Bolstering the participation rate of women in engineering would have significant effects on Australia’s workforce capability.

“Engineering is a profession that relies heavily on advanced science and mathematics, and it is crucial that we invest heavily in promoting education in these areas from an early age. Any moves to increase maths and science participation must also ensure that women are adequately represented. It is crucial to the sustainability of our engineering workforce that female students view science and maths subjects as attractive and accessible. The Prime Minister’s comments will go a long way in raising the profile of the challenges we face in this area.

“Improving the participation rate of women in the engineering profession is a move that would provide huge benefits for Australia. Engineers Australia is continuing to work hard in this area and we congratulate Prime Minister Gillard for recognising the importance of attracting more women to our profession,” Durkin said.