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Breaking barriers: children living with disabilities rarely see themselves reflected in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. An exciting new partnership between the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and Rebel Girls plans to

The Royal Australian Chemical Institute

Key Facts:

• RACI and Rebel Girls launch initiative to celebrate Women with Disabilities in STEM through a free e-book, podcast episode and downloadable activities
• Project aims to address representation gap, with 10% of children worldwide living with disabilities and 17.7% of Australians affected by disability
• Resources will be globally accessible to schools, libraries and families, with braille versions available
• Initiative features notable women including Katrina Wruck, Verity Normington, and Cathy Foley amongst others
• Project supported by major partners including Australian Government Department of Industry, Science & Resources and Swinburne University of Technology

The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) in collaboration with global girl empowerment brand Rebel Girls, creators of the bestselling Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls series, is proud to launch an initiative celebrating the achievements of Women with Disabilities in STEM.

The need for representation has never been greater. According to UNICEF, 10% of children worldwide live with a disability—nearly 240 million young people. In Australia alone, 17.7% of the population is affected by some form of disability

By showcasing the stories of extraordinary women who have broken barriers and thrived in STEM, this initiative gives children with disabilities, and in particular young girls, the chance to imagine themselves in those same spaces—as scientists, innovators, and leaders. Through vivid illustrations and storytelling, the project ensures children can see STEM professionals who look like them, sound like them and share their lived experiences.

The project will be delivered through a free e-book, podcast and downloadable activities, available globally to schools, libraries, families, and young people. To ensure accessibility, the e-book will also be available in braille.

“Children with disabilities deserve to see that their dreams in STEM are possible,” said Shenal Basnayake. “By highlighting women with diverse lived experiences, we’re showing the next generation that disability is not a limitation—it can be a source of strength and innovation.”

“Rebel Girls believes that every girl should see themselves reflected in the stories we tell. As a platform for a plurality of voices who embraces diversity, we're proud to partner with RACI to celebrate incredible changemakers in STEM. Together, we are helping raise confident girls who will transform the world,” said Anjelika Temple, Chief Content Officer for Rebel Girls.

This initiative supports the government's commitment to attracting and retaining people from diverse backgrounds in STEM education and careers. It does this by creating inclusive educational resources and diverse representations of who can succeed in STEM education and careers. By shining a spotlight on women with disabilities in STEM, the RACI × Rebel Girls Project is creating powerful tools for inclusion, belonging, and ambition.

Some of the Featured Women with Disabilities in STEM include:

• Katrina Wruck – Industrial Chemist, 2025 Young Australian of the Year
• Verity Normington – Geoscientist
• Wanda Díaz-Merced – Astrophysicist
• Cathy Foley – Physicist and Former Chief Scientist of Australia
• Farida Bedwei – Tech Founder

“By putting women in STEM with disabilities in the spotlight, we’re giving every child the opportunity to see themselves as innovators, leaders, and changemakers,” said Hannah McCarthy, RACI Project Manager.

Visit https://www.raci.org.au/racixrebelgirls to access this inspiring content.

 

Sponsors

Principal Government Partner: Australian Government Department of Industry, Science & Resources

Principal Higher Education Partner: Swinburne University of Technology

Partners: The University of Melbourne, The University of New South Wales, Deakin University

Supporters: CSIRO, The Royal Society of Chemistry, Queensland University of Technology

About us:

About RACI

The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) is the professional body for chemists in Australia, committed to advancing the science, practice, and teaching of chemical sciences. RACI supports education, outreach, and the promotion of chemistry as a force for innovation and progress.

About Rebel Girls

Rebel Girls, a certified B Corporation, is a global, multi-platform empowerment brand dedicated to helping raise the most inspired and confident generation of girls. The brand purposefully creates content, products, and experiences to empower gen alpha girls and equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive. Because confident girls will radically transform the world.

With a growing community of 43 million self-identified Rebel Girls spanning more than 115 countries, the brand engages with Generation Alpha through its book series, premier app, events, and merchandise. To date, Rebel Girls has sold more than 11 million books in 62 languages and reached 100 million digital listens/views. Award recognition includes New York Times bestseller list, 2022 Apple Design Award for Social Impact, 10 Webby Awards, and more.

Contact details:

Shenal Basnayake

CEO

Royal Australian Chemical Institute

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 03 9328 2033