UOW iAccelerate hosted the inaugural STEMM Stroll for women

First ever regional event, encouraging participation of women in STEMM.  Almost 50 academics, researchers, students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine took part in the Illawarra’s first-ever ‘STEMM Stroll’ on Tuesday 17 September.  STEMM Strolls participants leaving iAccelerate to begin the walk. 

STEMM Strolls was created to connect and empower women and girls working in or studying science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) by providing opportunities to broaden their networks, find mentors, and share their experiences. 

The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) iAccelerate hosted the event in collaboration with Women in STEMM Australia 

The event began at UOW’s iAccelerate Centre and took participants on a scenic stroll along Puckey's Estate and Squires Way, before returning to iAccelerate for coffee, snacks, and networking. 

Stemm Strolls participants making their way through Puckey's Estate Reserve, connecting with nature and each other.

iAccelerate Director Dr Tamantha Stutchbury said the participation of women in STEMM is crucial because diverse perspectives drive innovation and solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

 
Connection to Country was discussed before the stroll kicked off, reminding participants to reflect on how they give respect to the Country they walk on. 

“We are excited to be able to bring the STEMM community together to strengthen the support network for women and girls in these fields,” Dr Stutchbury said. 

“STEMM Strolls offer an informal, friendly space where participants can walk, talk, and inspire each other, taking one step further toward gender equality in STEMM." 

“Our mission is to encourage more women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine, and strengthen the future of these fields and create a more inclusive and equitable society.  

“Empowering women and girls in STEMM is not just about gender equality; it’s about unlocking the full potential of human talent.” 

STEMM Strolls participants returning to iAccelerate for coffee, breakfast and networking to forge new connections. 

STEMM Australia Co-Chair Sarah Chapman, a previous winner of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, said STEMM Strolls can address gaps and needs for regional women in STEMM. 

“Women in STEMM Australia’s STEMM Strolls bring students and professionals together in regional areas to build and strengthen community and connection,” Ms Chapman said. 

“Women in STEMM face many challenges across the board, but these difficulties can be even more pronounced in regional areas, including limitation in resourcing, lack of role models, career challenges, isolation and maintaining work-life balance. STEMM Strolls aims grow networks and connect likeminded people, an integral piece in overcoming barriers and fostering collaboration.” 

Women in STEMM Australia co-chair, Sarah Chapman, talking with Linda Armstrong of Sicona Battery Technologies. Sicona sponsored the coffee and breakfast for the first STEMM Strolls event.

Leaders of the LIFT Project, a program based out of UOW to support a portfolio of career skills for women in STEM and entrepreneurship, and Women in STEMM Australia: (L-R) Prof Danielle Skropeta, Dr Tamantha Stutchbury, Sarah Chapman & Georgia Watson. 

To access more images of the day, Sylvia Liber has kindly made the album publicly available. Make sure you credit her work, tag iAccelerate and Women in STEMM Australia and use the hashtag #GongSTEMMStrolls to find other participants: STEMM STROLLS: Sylvia Liber Photography