Antarctic trip to balance high science
An all-female expedition to Antarctica wants to break the scientific glass ceiling.
A group called Homeward Bound has gathered together 76 female leaders in their fields for a floating seminar aimed at getting more women into science leadership roles.
Women fill 60 per cent of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs, but their representation falls dramatically in higher positions.
The seminars included courses on leadership skills, female visibility and strategy.
Then, attendees were able to disembark and discover Antarctica’s vast natural wonders.
Environmental scientist Charlie Hindle said introspection was not too common among scientists.
“It's an odd thing for scientists to dig deep into themselves, we usually have the microscope on other things and this was turning it around and putting it on yourself,” she told the ABC.
“You can't change anything unless you've done that analysis, so that bit was quite confronting for some people I think, but definitely very worthwhile.
“Scientists try to let the science speak for itself, but sometimes it doesn't.
“So for me [Homeward Bound] has changed the direction I was heading.
“Now I want to do a masters degree into women as drivers of social change and how we can bridge the gap between climate change and social change.”
Homeward Bound hopes to continue the event in future years, and intends to take 1,000 women on the journey of discovery over the next decade.