The Inclusion of Ecuadorian Women in Scientific-Technological Fields

Abstract

The inclusion of women in the fields of science and technology in Latin America and Ecuador has taken greater momentum in the last decade. There is a growing interest to provide incentive to discuss the different factors of discrimination in said fields and, in this manner, be able to stimulate and strengthen actions which successfully diminish, if not eradicate, agents of discrimination and inequality. However, it is clear that the subject has not succeeded in provoking the necessary interest on part of the government and different groups that protect women’s rights or develop science and technology. This chapter begins with a historical review of education and women in Ecuador, furthering the understanding of public policy linked to the subject at hand. Afterward, a discussion will take place regarding the advances in scientific and technological development and its link with gender politics in Ecuador. The results of a qualitative research case study are presented, focusing on a group of researchers that form part of the Ecuadorian Network of Female Scientists. Extensive interviews were conducted in order to better understand the situation regarding gender inclusiveness in the fields of science and technology in Ecuador. The results of the research demonstrate a significant advance in Ecuador with respect to the generation of scientific and technological knowledge from 2007 to 2017, just as the existence of norms strengthen education, science, technology and gender inclusiveness. However, the research found that multiple problems and barriers impede gender inclusiveness in these fields. There is a perception that the advances are not significant in these fields and that, therefore, the advances demonstrated still have not had a significant impact in the achievement of equality with respect to opportunities for men and women.