Each year on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we pause to recognise the extraordinary women and girls who are shaping the future of chemistry and scientific discovery — in our classrooms, laboratories, industries, and communities.
Across Australia and around the world, women in science are leading innovation, tackling global challenges, mentoring the next generation, and redefining what leadership in STEM looks like. Their impact is not only measured in breakthroughs and research, but in the doors they open for others to follow.
At the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, we believe that when girls can see themselves represented in science, they know they belong. And belonging changes everything.
Building pathways, not just participation
Supporting women and girls in chemistry means more than celebration — it means action.
Through our education programs, competitions, mentorship opportunities, and outreach initiatives, RACI is committed to creating clear and welcoming pathways into STEM. We aim to build confidence, capability, and community so that every young person with curiosity has the opportunity to explore where science could take them.
Because talent is everywhere — opportunity should be too.
Making inclusion tangible
This year, we’re proud to take another step forward in accessibility and inclusion through our RACI x Rebel Girls partnership.
We have developed accessible versions of our activities to support students who are blind or have low/no vision, including:
These resources allow all students to engage equally in hands-on chemistry experiences — from making slime while learning about volcanos, to creating sherbet and exploring reactions, to uncovering inspiring stories through our podcast featuring astronomer Wanda Diaz-Merced.
At the end of last year we also released our free digital book, Empowering the Future of STEM: Changemakers with Disabilities, highlighting 12 remarkable real-life women in STEM whose stories challenge perceptions and inspire possibility.
Together, these tools help ensure every student can see a future for themselves in science.
Collaboration makes it possible
This work is only possible thanks to the generosity and expertise of our collaborators. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah Chapman and STEM Changemakers, Geoscience Australia, Professor Ghillar Michael Anderson, and the Euahlayi and Kamilaroi peoples for giving permission to share their knowledge and stories in our Constellation Story Scramble activity. Our thanks also go out to the supporters of this project: The Australian Government Department of Industry, Science & Resources (Principal Government Partner), Swinburne University of Technology (Principal Higher Education Partner), The University of Melbourne (Partner), UNSW (Partner), Deakin University (Partner), CSIRO (Supporter), QUT (Supporter) & The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Partnerships like these help us create resources that are not only educational, but meaningful, respectful, and inclusive.
Looking ahead
As a community of chemists, educators, and advocates, we all have a role to play in breaking barriers and amplifying voices.
Whether it’s mentoring a student, sharing opportunities, improving accessibility, or simply celebrating the scientists around us, every action contributes to a more inclusive future for our profession.
Let’s continue working toward a world where every girl — of every ability and background — feels confident saying: science is for me.
You can explore and download all RACI x Rebel Girls resources free on our website.