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» Diversity at the frontierDiversity at the frontier
On March 25 2019, NASA announced it would launch the first all-female spacewalk of two women at the International Space Station. But days after the announcement was made the spacewalk was cancelled as there was only one space suit that would fit a woman. Months later the historic spacewalk was completed, but this glaring oversight highlights the gender gap in space that persists today.
We're on a mission to help close this gap and promote diversity, inclusion, equality and access at the frontiers of the space sector. Not only is there a clear "business case" – as evidence shows more diverse workforces bring greater innovation, better decision-making and greater collaboration – but there is a moral imperative to do so.
2023 Space4Women Expert Meeting
In November, we attended the 2023 Space4Women Expert Meeting in Montréal, Canada. The meeting was part of the Space4Women project, which aims to encourage women and girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and raise awareness about career opportunities and the importance of gender equality and empowerment in the space sector. Hosted by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), this was the fourth Expert Meeting in a series that began in 2017 and the theme for this year was “Building capacity to promote and advance gender equality in the space sector". In this blog, we share our key takeaways for the Australian space sector based on our personal views and experiences at the meeting. Read our recommendations >
One small step: Women, Peace and Security in space
In this paper, Dr Cassandra Steer, Dr Elise Stephenson and Sarah Furman discuss the gendered implications of increasing attacks on space systems and why Australia’s global reputation for gender-responsive approaches in arms control and other diplomatic efforts makes it best positioned to play a leading role on Women Peace and Security in space. They call on Australia’s Defence Space Command, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Space Agency to adopt key recommendations including targets for diverse gender representation within space careers. Read the research >
Diversity at the Frontier: Gender Equality in Space Conference
In April 2023, we gathered academic experts, frontline practitioners, policymakers, and the next generation of the space workforce for Australia’s first ever conference on gender equality in space.
Read more about the conference >
Watch highlights from the day >
Read the Conference Insights Report >
Watch the signature event >
Get involved in our research
We're conducting a research study on diversity in space to better understand gender and other forms of diversity in the Australian and US space sectors. This research will act as a "gender and diversity audit" of the space sector, mapping representation, issues and opportunities for diverse groups across the sector.
We're seeking to understand how diversity is experienced, what policies may/may not be working, and the key challenges and opportunities for the space sector around gender and other forms of diversity.
Eligible participants include those who work in...
- The space industry
- A space-related portfolio/role in government
- Or can comment from either a personal or professional perspective on diversity issues in your experience/ organisation/ perspective
All genders, sexualities, cultural backgrounds are sought, however we have a particular focus on women and historically marginalised groups.
Why participate?
- To contribute to research around the opportunities and barriers for diverse groups in the space sector (industry and government).
- To learn how your experience and pathways compare with others.
- To suggest areas for improvement in policy and practice to support a diverse space sector.
Shining a spotlight on gender equality in space
Dr Elise Stephenson joined former Australian Prime Minister and GIWL Chair, Julia Gillard, on her podcast for a conversation about gender diversity in space. Their conversation unpacks some of the major barriers facing women, gender diverse people and historically marginalised groups in the industry – everything from from equipment failures to inadequate research and funding. They go right back to the first women-led space mission up to the systemic issues still facing the sector today and explore the unprecedented opportunities the industry presents for improving the lives of generations to come by building a sustainable and gender-equal future.
Research lead
Our Diversity at the Frontier research is led by Dr Elise Stephenson. Elise is a multi-award-winning political scientist with expertise in women's leadership, gender equality, sexuality, and diversity and inclusion in national security, space, international affairs, intelligence government and more across Australia and the Asia Pacific.
