Across Australia and around the world, women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are continuing to break down barriers and build successful, rewarding careers.
The tech and defence industries have historically been male-dominated, but that’s changing. More organisations are recognising the value of diverse perspectives, creating more inclusive workplaces and supporting greater gender equality.
So, what’s it really like for women building careers in these industries? And what support is available for girls and young women considering their own future in STEM?
What’s It Really Like to Be a Woman in Tech and Defence?
Working in technology and defence can bring exciting opportunities, from solving complex problems to contributing to projects with a real-world impact.
For many women, that creates a strong sense of purpose and pride in their work. There are opportunities to innovate, keep learning and build skills in industries that continue to evolve.
But challenges can still exist.
Women may find themselves one of only a handful of women in the room, face unconscious bias or have fewer visible female role models to look up to. Access to informal professional networks can also be more limited, while some women feel additional pressure to prove themselves in traditionally male-dominated environments.
Supportive colleagues, inclusive workplace cultures and opportunities for professional development can make a significant difference. Mentoring and dedicated support networks can also help women build confidence, develop connections and feel a stronger sense of belonging at work.
The Role of Leidos’ Women and Allies Network
At Leidos, the Women and Allies Network (WAAN) brings together women and their allies to support inclusion, advocacy and professional growth.
The network supports employees in a number of ways:
- Mentoring and networking: WAAN helps connect women at different stages of their careers, creating opportunities for mentoring, advice and peer support. These connections can help build strong professional relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Awareness and advocacy: The network raises awareness of some of the challenges women can face in tech and defence and advocates for workplace practices that support greater equity, including flexible working arrangements and transparent promotion processes.
- Learning and development: WAAN organises workshops, guest speakers and training sessions focused on areas such as leadership, career progression and personal development.
- Celebrating success: Recognising the achievements of women across the organisation helps amplify female voices and provides visible role models for others.
Together, these initiatives help create a more supportive workplace for women while also encouraging greater diversity of thought across the organisation.
Here’s What Leidos Women Want You to Know
For girls and young women considering STEM subjects at school or thinking about where those subjects could take them, female leaders and professionals at Leidos have some simple advice.
- Believe in yourself. Don’t let stereotypes or other people’s expectations dictate what you can achieve. Trust your abilities and be willing to take on new challenges.
- Ask questions and stay curious. Curiosity sits at the heart of STEM. Keep asking questions, seeking help and exploring the topics that interest you.
- Find your support network. Look for mentors, clubs, communities and networks where you can meet people who encourage your ambitions and help you grow.
- Learn from mistakes. Setbacks are a normal part of learning, particularly in industries built around problem-solving and innovation. Use them as opportunities to improve.
- Be yourself. Different experiences and perspectives are valuable. You don’t need to fit a particular mould to belong in STEM.
Above all, women at Leidos encourage young people to follow what interests them, keep going when things get challenging and recognise the value they can bring.
There’s a Place for You in STEM
Women are continuing to build successful careers and create change across STEM, technology and defence.
Support networks such as WAAN, alongside strong role models, mentoring and inclusive workplaces, are helping make these industries more accessible to the next generation.
For girls considering STEM subjects or careers, there are more pathways to explore than you might realise. And your ideas, skills and perspective could be exactly what the industry needs next.
Explore Where a Career in STEM Could Take You
From technology and engineering to defence and problem-solving roles you might not have considered yet, STEM can open the door to a wide range of career paths.
Want to see what that could look like at Leidos? Explore careers with Leidos and discover the opportunities available in STEM.
