The STEM gap: Organon leader on why it matters

Leadership & Management: Shifting just 1% of Australia’s workforce into STEM jobs would add $57.4 billion to the nation’s GDP over 20 years. However, a significant gender gap persists at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Joining Health Industry Hub on International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), Nirelle Tolstoshev, Managing Director, Organon Australia draws on her background as a cancer researcher and discusses the key issues and challenges relating to the under-representation of women in STEM employment areas.

Nirelle reflects on the changes to policies, procedures and behaviours that would lead to the necessary improvements, including her view on the recent funding allocated to ‘Boosting the Next Generation of Women in STEM‘.

“The COVID pandemic has taught us just how important the STEM sector is in protecting Australians and the world. Increasing women’s participation in these essential growing fields, particularly more women in leadership and decision making roles, is key.

“When you pull out the pharma [data] alone, we actually have a pretty strong pipeline of female talent, with 60% of the pharma workforce being female. It is about getting those females into leadership positions, however, because only 34% of CEOs and heads of organisational roles are held by females. With this fantastic pool of talent that we have, it’s our responsibility as leaders to empower and enable those women into leadership positions to drive our industry into the future,” said Ms Tolstoshev.

We need to create an ecosystem where women can realise their true potential in STEM careers and today’s girls become tomorrow’s leading scientists and innovators, shaping an equitable and sustainable future for all.

You may also like: Health Industry Hub’s Women in Leadership Series