"We want a more equal future," says 12 year-old Emily Hawkins.
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This is the answer the Emmanuel College student gave when asked why she would be attending a STEAM workshop this weekend.
Miss Hawkins said it was vital more girls took part in the subjects that represented 75 per cent of future jobs.
"We need to get girls more involved in things like this," Miss Hawkins said.
The Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Technology acronym has been a focus of the Warrnambool Art Gallery since July 2018.
Gallery curator Agostina Hawkins said the workshops were thanks to funding from Creative Victoria's Engaging Audiences program supporting council-owned galleries and performing arts centres.
"This is the second round of the workshops," she said. "We're hoping to encourage a lot more girls to get involved."
Mrs Hawkins said it was important girls felt confident participating in STEM subjects.
"In primary school students all do STEM subjects and it's a bit of fun but when they hit an age where they can choose their subjects we see a big drop off of girls."
"We've approached schools and asked teachers and students why that is and what we can do to help," she said.
"Overwhelmingly we found that girls just want to be surrounded by girls.
"They sometimes feel a bit overpowered by boys who are more confident in these types of subjects."
Traditional career paths were still prevalent in attitudes surrounding these subjects, Mrs Hawkins said.
"We are all trying to make our society equitable but there are some attitudes still ingrained and one of those is that boys are better at these subjects," she said.
"It's just not true and we need girls to see that."
The free Girls are Full STEAM Ahead event will be held at the Warrnambool Art Gallery on Saturday.
The first session Tech Girls Movement will run from 11am to 12:30pm.
"Girls can learn how to tackle community problems through the application of technology," Mrs Hawkins said. "Learn how to design an app that can solve a problem."
Code like a Girl will then run from 1pm to 2.30pm.
"Gaming is big business," Mrs Hawkins said. "But playing is only half the fun.
"This coding workshop will take girls to the other side of the console."
The workshops are open to those who identify as girls aged eight and upwards.
"Just bring your creativity and a lap-top and we will help with the rest," Mrs Hawkins said.
The gallery is also hoping to follow the sessions with a once a month GirlsTeam club which will allow girls to explore different activities in a fun and safe environment.
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