​In the realm of global innovation, STEM powers knowledge-based societies. However, ongoing gender disparities curtail the complete utilisation of human capital. As argued in the goal congruity theory, women's choices to communal goals prompts female exits from STEM. Exploring this theory in natural science and academia, two questions arise: 1) Does the "leaky pipeline" persist, and where are gaps? 2) Do female scientists leave to afford other goals? Stats show early career gender balance, but senior positions lack women. Notably, men dominate decision-making roles. Qualitative research...