Empowering the next generation of women in STEM
At a glance
Now in its ninth year in Australia, GHD’s STEM Pathways Program has inspired hundreds of students, with 80 percent of early participants from the original partner school now pursuing STEM studies at university. This year, Rebecca Belza, Senior Process Engineer, will present the program on the international stage at the International Water Association (IWA) Aspire and Water New Zealand Conferences, sharing how GHD is breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive future for women and girls in STEM.
Building a pathway for change
The story of GHD’s STEM Pathways Program is one of vision, persistence and collaboration. Nine years ago, Monica George, Business Group Leader – Civil Infrastructure, was inspired to address the lack of female representation in STEM and created a program that would open doors for young women. What began as an idea has become a movement that continues to grow in reach and impact, with Maritsa Kacopieros, Business Group Leader – Water Canberra and Rebecca Belza, amongst many others, also working with Monica to champion the program and its mission. Maritsa and Rebecca also presented the program with a paper and presentation at the Australian Water Association’s OzWater conference in 2023.
With support from GHD colleagues, the program has created opportunities for Year 10 female students to explore STEM first-hand, challenging perceptions and connecting with role models who show that these careers are not only possible, but diverse and rewarding.
The program has built strong partnerships with well-established organisations, allowing students to gain exposure to real projects, diverse workplaces and professionals who are shaping the future.
The program is run across Australia, but GHD also leads local STEM initiatives globally, including in Canada and Fiji, reflecting our commitment to empowering future STEM leaders worldwide. The Australian program has engaged with over 20 schools and hosted more than 150 participants over nine years across Melbourne, Geelong, Traralgon, Wodonga and Darwin.
As part of the Australian program experience, we have partnered with companies like Lendlease, Victorian School Building Authority and North East Water to deliver a hands-on learning opportunity for students. The program introduces students to real-world projects that reflect the complexity and collaboration central to STEM careers.
The program is often structured around the students stepping into professional roles within a simulated project environment. Each student selects a STEM role, such as water resources, water infrastructure, architecture, building engineering or project management and is guided by a Project Director who brings deep experience from within GHD. Working in teams, students collaborate to solve project challenges, simulate professional decision-making and understand how their chosen discipline contributes to the overall outcome. At the end of the program, each student presents their learnings, sharing what they discovered about their selected discipline, how their role contributes to the success of a real project and what surprised or inspired them during the experience.
This immersive format not only builds technical understanding and confidence but also empowers young women to see themselves as future leaders in STEM.
Why the pipeline matters
While progress has been made, the statistics remain a reminder of the work still to be done. Only 17 to 18 percent of high school girls currently participate in critical STEM subjects, with many citing a lack of confidence, awareness or encouragement as barriers. Social expectations, stereotypes and a shortage of visible role models all play their part in discouraging participation. In the last two decades the percentage of female enrolments in Australian universities has only increased by 2 per cent.
Engineering is the largest employer of all STEM disciplines, with just 16 per cent of engineering graduates identifying as female in Australia. In the workplace, females represent only 14 percent of engineering professionals and the statistics are even lower for Australian born women, making up only 3.8 per cent of professional engineers in Australia.
The STEM Pathways Program tackles these barriers directly. Through hands-on projects, site visits and mentorship, students are given a safe and supportive environment to ask questions, explore their interests and see how engineers and scientists contribute to stronger, more sustainable communities.
Real impact, real stories
The impact is clear. In the first three years of the program, 80 percent of participants from the original partner school are now studying STEM degrees at university. Students say the program helped them gain a genuine understanding of STEM careers and to build confidence to pursue them.
Teachers and industry partners have also seen the transformation, remarking on the energy and curiosity that students bring back to the classroom and how valuable these interactions are in broadening perspectives.
Participants describe STEM as far more diverse than they expected, with many different career paths available. They speak about the value of collaboration, designing solutions that improve lives and how the program reshaped their understanding of what a STEM career truly involves. Schools have praised the initiative for inspiring students and providing meaningful exposure to engineering and STEM in action.
This program had an influence on what I’d like to study in the future because it has positively changed my whole understanding of what a STEM career involved."
Sharing our journey on the international stage
In 2025, the program will be presented on the global stage at the IWA Aspire and Water New Zealand Conference. Rebecca Belza has been selected to share the journey and outcomes with an international audience, amplifying the message that attracting more women and girls into STEM is not just about improving statistics. It’s about equity, innovation and building a workforce that reflects and serves communities.
For Rebecca, who is deeply passionate about this program, it’s an opportunity to show how it gives young women the confidence to see themselves in STEM careers and creates opportunities for the next generation to thrive.
I want to keep inspiring young women to believe in their potential and see a future for themselves in STEM. We’re proud of how much the STEM Pathways Program has evolved since it began, yet we know this is just the beginning. By continuing to share our story and foster partnerships, we hope to inspire others to join us in creating more opportunities for women and girls in STEM."
GHD aims to build a future where every student sees themselves represented, valued and empowered to contribute to the challenges of tomorrow.