We thank the Special Rapporteur for this report.

Indigenous ways of knowing are critical to solving our greatest global challenges.

Indigenous women have been central to the preservation and transmission of knowledge. Yet their contributions are undervalued, and they face barriers that discourage them from pursuing careers in science and technology.

This results in a great loss of knowledge.

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have an ongoing relationship with science that dates back thousands of years.

Our national science agency, CSIRO, is delivering an Indigenous Science and Engagement Program that works closely with Indigenous communities to ensure a science landscape that is built in respectful partnership with Indigenous Australia and delivers innovative, sustainable, holistic solutions to meet our greatest national challenges.

The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through targeted, long-term support to overcome barriers and pursue rewarding careers.

We call on all States to adopt gender-responsive approaches to science and technology that value Indigenous women’s knowledge, innovation and experiences.

We ask the Special Rapporteur: how can we ensure Indigenous women’s knowledge is engaged to strengthen and complement Western scientific approaches?