Act today, change tomorrow

As a recruitment agency, Brunel is in a relatively unique position when it comes to influencing workplace cultures. I’m proud to reveal that last year, our Diversity and Inclusion recruitment service, had a 39.6% success rate in placing women in jobs in industries with high male representation, including mining and infrastructure. Our role connecting talent with clients in sectors facing critical skill shortages in 2024 was incredibly rewarding, and we intend to smash that record again this year. But there is so much more we can learn and do.

Helping women to not only enter but also succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields requires a combination of systemic change, policy improvements and cultural shifts. While it is reported that women working in male-dominated industries report similar levels of job satisfaction when compared to men, challenges such as lack of mentorship, microaggressions and difficulties in attaining leadership roles still exist.

So what are some actions we can take?

• Advocate for inclusive work policies: such as equal pay, parental leave, flexible work and anti-discrimination policies.
• Address workplace bias: ensure strong anti-harassment policies and support systems, train employees on unconscious bias and gender inclusion and promote a workplace culture where women feel safe and respected.
• Support upskilling and education: offer scholarships, training opportunities or financial aid to help women attain relevant qualifications. 
• Strengthen mentorship and networking opportunities: host events that help lift women up and allow connection with female mentors and industry leaders in traditionally male-dominated industries that can inspire and help their career.

Earlier this week, our team had the chance to attend an Engineer Australia’s International Women’s Day event featuring retired Australian Naval officer Mona Shindy. Captain Shindy shared some of her experiences navigating an industry where female representation was extremely rare, and how she came to ascend to a leadership position which allowed her to champion cultural and organisational reform – truly inspirational! She cited operating with an approach that was collaborative, adaptive and flexible as the keys to success in solving problems, along with support from other leaders who created a safe space for her to contribute and grow.

At Brunel, females make up 60% of the Australasian team, with 55% in leadership roles. It’s something that we take great pride in and has absolutely influenced how we work. Bringing together our experiences and viewpoints, has led to more well-rounded discussions and effective problem solving, meaning more informed decisions for our actions that benefit our workplace.

As an organisation, Brunel is passionate about investing in future talent. Engaging with the younger generations now is key to prevent critical skill shortages in the years to come - especially for industries that drive Australia’s economy. Brunel is proud to sponsor an all-female hydrogen grand prix team from Fairholme College in Toowoomba, QLD. Despite being first-time competitors and one of only a few all-female teams competing, they managed to earn a place at the 2024 world finals in California. It’s amazing what women can achieve if you give them the space and opportunity to pursue non-traditional goals. It got me thinking – can we start earlier?

A study testing the impact of children’s gender stereotypes found that exposure to STEM at primary school-level can spark curiosity and influence future job aspirations.

So, what can we do to encourage this?

1. Bring STEM into primary and preschool education: 
   Provide access to hands-on STEM activities, like robotics kits and science experiments, as a fun way to learn and build confidence in their technical capabilities.
2. Highlight female role models: Hearing about experiences from women in STEM careers into classrooms can inspire future scientists, engineers and astronauts!

3. Advocate for curriculum changes: Governments and schools need to review current curriculum, and ensure teachers and syllabus are gender-inclusive.

4. Involve parents and friends: enlist the help of parents to support STEM activities at home, or even mentorship from a friend in the field.

5. Eliminate gender bias: Change perceptions that boys are better than girls in STEM subjects. Reinforce that STEM is for everyone! 

Taking action doesn’t always require grand gestures – in fact, it could seem overwhelming or ‘too difficult’ and may not ever happen. Change can also start with small moments which build momentum through consistency, and can have profound, long-lasting effects. So why is it important to work towards gender equality now?

• Stronger workforce and economy: when women and men contribute equally, economies flourish from increased innovation.
• Deter workplace harassment: with workplace harassment driven by power disparities.
• Improved education opportunities: the future generations can receive equal access to quality education, reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
• Healthier families: women have access to healthcare and resources, which have impact in overall family well-being and maternal health.
• Stronger leadership representation: inspire future generations to grow up seeing diverse leaderships in STEM and politics, and encourage ambitions without gender-based limitations.
• Reduced violence at home: less dependence on finance from partners and lower levels of domestic and gender-based violence lead to safer environments for future generations.
• Balanced family roles: healthier family dynamics, showing children equal household and financial responsibilities.