As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science today, it’s crucial to evaluate our progress. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2015, this day was intended to celebrate and promote the role of women and girls in science. Yet, a decade on, the hurdles they face remain significant. Why is it still such a challenge for women to advance in the field of science? The cause is multifaceted, stemming from deep-seated biases, societal pressures, and systemic obstacles that persistently impede their progress.
Globally, women make up about one-third of the scientific research community, a statistic that has been largely stagnant over the past ten years. However, this representation diminishes significantly at higher levels of the scientific hierarchy, with women constituting only 12% of members in national science academies worldwide. This data reveals considerable regional disparities, with no straightforward correlation between a country’s wealth and its advancement toward gender parity in science.
The representation of women in science varies greatly across regions. South Asia has the lowest share at merely 23%, while Southeast Asia stands at 27%, Central Asia at 47%, sub-Saharan Africa at 32%, the European Union at 34%, and Latin America and the Caribbean at 44%.
In the European Union, notable progress has been made in recent years. By 2023, women represented 52% of the 78.3 million individuals employed in science and technology, marking a 2.9% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 25% rise since 2013. A majority of these women are engaged in service-related roles within science and technology. Countries like Lithuania and Latvia boast female representation as high as 63% in these fields, whereas Italy struggles, with women’s representation falling below 50%.
Gender disparities in scientific disciplines are also pronounced. Fields such as physics are predominantly male-dominated, while life sciences and health-related disciplines exhibit a more balanced gender ratio, with some nations even showing a female majority. The most significant gender gaps persist in engineering and computer science, with women making up only 22% of professionals in the crucial field of artificial intelligence.
Understanding the Barriers
Why do women encounter these obstacles in the realm of science? The reasons are complex and can be attributed to several key factors.
Gender Stereotypes and Biases
Deeply rooted gender stereotypes permeate societies globally, shaping beliefs about what skills are “natural” for men and women. From an early age, girls are often subtly or overtly discouraged from pursuing fields such as mathematics, physics, and engineering. These disciplines are frequently deemed masculine, with associated skills seen as inherently male.
Both conscious and unconscious biases undermine women’s confidence and hinder their advancement within scientific careers. Over time, these biases create a cyclical pattern that restricts women from thriving in their fields.
Moreover, the lack of visible female role models in science perpetuates gender disparity. Young girls who do not see successful women in these fields may struggle to imagine themselves pursuing similar paths. This absence of representation applies to existing female scientists too, who may find it challenging to access necessary mentorship and sponsorship crucial for professional growth.
Educational Barriers
Access to education is a fundamental challenge. Many girls encounter obstacles in pursuing educational pathways that could spark their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Across numerous countries, systemic issues, such as a shortage of STEM-focused schools and mentorship programs, complicate the situation. Socioeconomic disparities exacerbate the problem, as economic challenges disproportionately impact women and girls, restricting their access to quality education.
Even when girls show a keen interest in science, they often receive insufficient support to nurture their aspirations. A lack of encouragement coupled with limited representation of female scientists in educational resources can lead young women to abandon their scientific ambitions before reaching higher education.
Challenges in the Workplace
For those women who earn STEM degrees, the challenges do not simply cease. Many encounter unwelcoming work environments where gender discrimination, unequal pay, and exclusion from networking opportunities are prevalent in male-dominated scientific sectors. Studies indicate that women scientists frequently experience isolation and lack access to mentorship, which severely hamstrings their career advancement and job satisfaction.
Underrepresentation in Leadership
Women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles within scientific organizations and academia. This lack of diversity in governance hampers the pace of policy change and the implementation of strategies aimed at advancing gender equality. Without women in decision-making positions, issues like pay disparity, discrimination, and inadequate workplace support are less likely to be prioritized or addressed.
Moving Forward
Currently, women comprise about 40% of the global labor force. Given the tightening labor markets and burgeoning demographic pressures, organizations can no longer afford to neglect the challenges that women face in science. Women play a pivotal role in propelling progress and innovation in science and technology, hence targeted policies are essential to unlocking their full potential.
By implementing non-discriminatory practices, enforcing equal pay, and offering upskilling and reskilling initiatives, we can cultivate an environment where women thrive. Education reforms that promote gender inclusivity can help dismantle stereotypes and biases from an early age. When educational institutions and workplaces actively work to support women and girls, the scientific community as a whole reaps the benefits.
The journey toward gender equality in science is a long one, yet it is a pathway that we must prioritize if we aspire to create a future where every individual, regardless of gender, can contribute their talents toward addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.
The insights in this article aim to offer a general overview of the topic. For tailored advice, please consult a specialist regarding your specific context.
