Gender Equity & Diversity FAQs

Why women?

WHY WOMEN? Did you know that despite being shown to engage in more pro environmental behaviours, women disproportionately suffer the impacts of disasters, severe weather events, and climate change? Though women are gradually becoming better represented in the ocean science space, men still hold the lion’s share of power. Perpetuated by power differentials, this “leaky pipeline” of female representation decreasing with seniority and a culture of silence around sexual harassment, gender bias and discrimination against women within the marine science and conservation workforce continues. History has downplayed the achievements of female scientists, and to date, men still vastly outnumber women. By celebrating, elevating and empowering marginalised voices from within our industry, we hope to inspire younger generations to go for a career in science, no matter their race, background or gender - and ultimately, to protect the ocean.

WHAT IS THE LEAKY PIPELINE? The “leaky pipeline” of gender disparity at the highest career levels was highlighted by the Gender Equity in Ocean Science Report released in 2019, showing that the fraction of women graduating from university is not translating to representation at later career stages. Women are less likely to receive funding from institutions for their research and are less likely to be published authors, - women only represent 24 - 34% of all marine conservation journal papers and for the highest ranked journals, including Nature, female voices represent only 22%.

WHAT ABOUT NON-BINARY? We seek to create a safe space in the ocean science and conservation sphere for all for under-represented voices. Though we are called “women” in ocean science, we appreciate that gender is a social construct that varies across time, place and cultures, so we welcome anyone who identifies as female, trans, non-binary and gender-non-conforming folks.

WHAT ABOUT MINORITIES? We are here to elevate and amplify the voices of women in STEM, ensuring that all backgrounds are represented. We aim to raise not only female voices, but strive for better representation within the industry for more marine scientists, conservationists, naturalists and divers of colour. We want to see less of the structural racism that dominates ocean industries and to break down barriers to create better opportunities for all. Learn more here

WHAT ABOUT MEN? Gender equality is the process of being fair to all genders. Gender equity levels the playing fields. WOS seeks not to further the divide between men and women, but to help close that gender gap though education, celebration and empowerment. We’re not about excluding men - we’re here to raise the voices of women and to amplify the issues and challenge the inequities that women face within ocean industries. Instead of asking “what about men”, try asking “how can I be an ally to my female colleagues”.

WHAT IS A MALE ALLY? Allyship: those in a position of power (in this case men), utilising their influence, knowledge, and resources to support those who identify as women. As a male ally, you can help by speaking out against oppressive structures, calling out comments and discrimination, denormalising sexual harassment and educating yourself about your privilege, biases and role in systemic discrimination and inequity. Develop your situational awareness & listen to those from marginalised groups, and remember that there is more that one experience - each woman will have a different experience.