Advancing Gender Equality in Science and Technology at UTalca

Introduction to the InES Gender Project

The University of Talca (UTalca) has been recognized as one of the 13 universities in Chile that won the inaugural Innovation in Higher Education in Gender (InES Gender) competition. Launched in 2021, this initiative aims to equip universities with the capacity to develop plans that significantly reduce gender disparities in research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) sectors.

Objectives of UTalca’s InES Gender Initiative

The main objective of UTalca’s InES Gender project is to strengthen institutional practices to confront barriers affecting women’s participation and leadership in science and technology fields. Key aims include:

• Improving female representation in science and technology programs.
• Increasing the number of female academics in traditionally male-dominated disciplines.
• Boosting women’s involvement in R&D&I activities.
• Encouraging research with a substantial gender perspective.

Karin Saavedra, the project’s director and general director of Outreach at UTalca, emphasized, “We believe in the importance of mainstreaming and institutionalizing the gender perspective. And this project will work not only to end prejudice but also to create real and concrete spaces for all, thus ensuring that the best talent is present in our classrooms and research.”

Addressing Gender Inequality in Higher Education

The Chilean Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation (CTCI) system reveals significant gender gaps across various educational levels. Although women make up over 50% of first-year university enrollments, their representation varies drastically by field. For instance, women account for over 70% in health and education programs, while participation in technology disciplines is below 20%.

UTalca’s Gender Assessment and Policy Updates

In 2021, UTalca completed its first Institutional Assessment of Gender Relations, identifying the critical gaps that exist within the university. “This year we began updating the Gender Policy; with this data, we can focus on addressing and overcoming it,” stated Natalia Veliz, Director of Gender. She also mentioned that the findings of this assessment would soon be published.

Commitment to Gender Equality in Research and Development

UTalca’s commitment to diminishing gender inequalities is mirrored in various R&D&I initiatives, including the Engineering 2030 Project and the Science 2030 Project. Veliz highlighted the significance of these efforts, as the overarching development plan aims to enhance existing initiatives, create new programs, and foster awareness within the university community.

The First InES Gender Network Meeting

A significant milestone was reached when representatives from the 2021 InES Gender Network convened for their inaugural in-person meeting. The session was led by notable figures including Minister of Science Flavio Salazar and Undersecretary Carolina Gainza, focusing on collaborative efforts to address gender inequality across different areas of knowledge and territories. The Undersecretary acknowledged the vital role of regional universities, such as UTalca, in these efforts.

Leadership Representation in the Network

In a move to strengthen communication within the network, Karin Saavedra was appointed as one of three spokespersons for the InES Gender Project Network for the latter half of 2022, collaborating with representatives from other universities to facilitate communication with governmental authorities.

Conclusion

The Innovation in Higher Education in Gender initiative at the University of Talca represents a vital step towards bridging the gender gaps in science and technology education. By fostering inclusivity, reducing stereotypes, and reinforcing gender perspective in research, UTalca is paving the way for a more equitable future in academia.