Systemic changes within institutions are needed to promote greater gender equity in STEM

As part of a new report published today to coincide with Ada Lovelace Day, the annual celebration of the achievements of women working in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), Rhianna Goozee considers why so many women drop out from science on their way up the academic ladder and what can be done to address the situation. Long-term, holistic change to the systems and culture within STEM fields is required, and initiatives such as the Athena SWAN charter, set up to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in STEM employment in higher education and research, offer universities an important opportunity to assess and reimagine the ways in which they work.