The objective of the Girls in the Wild! project is to awaken and strengthen girls (ages10-13) interest in science by offering age-appropriate hands-on field-based nature and wildlife activities led by women environmental scientists.

Why is this project important?

Queensland (and Australia) is experiencing a declining interest in young people in science, with girls’ interest dropping significantly more than boys. Research has shown that one of the leading factors in the withdrawal of girls is the lack of role models and negative gender stereotyping. Women scientists commonly cite that it is vital that girls have role models to spur an interest to study science. The Girls in the Wild! project will do so – with fun, engaging field-based activities, led by women experts serving as role models, that will encourage girls to think about the importance of our local environment and the fields in which they might working the future.

What is the project?

Girls in the Wild will offer engaging field-based activities, led by women experts serving as role models, that will encourage girls to think about the importance of our local environment and the fields in which they might work in the future.

The project has three components:

• five field days each with its own theme (e.g. wildlife rescue, bats, bugs) during school holidays;
• a social media campaign of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February);
• and a celebration event of women and girls on World Environment Day (June).

This program is organised by Mooloolah River Landcare with funding from the Queensland Government Office of Women.

Investing in Queensland Women grant program | Office for Women.