It's predicted that by 2030 up to 75 per cent of jobs will require skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects.

In order to develop these skill-sets within the workforce, however, students need to be encouraged to explore these subjects while they're still at school. 

Dr Amanda Woods-McConney is a Senior Lecturer in Science Education at Murdoch University, and explains why the focus on STEM subjects during school is so important: "With increased automation, and a future with artificial intelligence, our lives and the future workforce will require a certain level of STEM skills.

"Literacy in STEM fields is also important at a national level because participation in, and performance in STEM are seen to improve human capital and innovation."

In addition to the increased demand for employees with a more STEM-literate skill-set, there is also a greater push to encourage girls in particular to take on STEM subjects within their schooling, with the hope of encouraging them to consider a career in a STEM field.

But within an industry that is traditionally thought of as a particularly male-dominated one, where exactly do girls fit in, and how can we support them to explore their opportunities and potential in STEM?

Finding a balance 

Dr Woods-McConney believes that if the STEM fields reflect a gender balance in society, then STEM research will be more aligned and relevant to everyone.

"Since STEM research attempts to address common needs of a population, it makes sense to involve all subgroups. In relation to girls, all people are entitled to experience equal opportunities in STEM," says Dr Woods-McConney. 

“We want female students to feel encouraged to study subjects such as physics and chemistry, engineering, and technology just as much as male students, as the skills acquired through these studies have applications in the workforce that will be of equal value to both genders.”

So how can we better nurture and encourage girls to feel more confident and interested in STEM subjects, and what role do parents in particular play within this nurturing process? 

The importance of parental support

According to Dr Woods-McConney, "Girls may not have had as much experience as males with some of the STEM subjects, and it is important that girls know success is not based on innate ability, but rather time spent studying, and learning STEM subjects."

Parents can help to shape their girl's perception of approaching STEM subjects, their confidence to study them, and their potential to pursue a career within one or all of the STEM fields.

By simply being aware of unconscious bias, parents can make a positive difference to the way girls view their potential to study STEM subjects at school, and ultimately, consider their future within a STEM field beyond school.