The path to gender equality in R&I

Abstract

There is a well documented gender gap in science and technology and, despite advancements, women remain underrepresented, particularly in fields such as engineering, mathematics, computing and physics. This is worsened still by the presence of skills shortages in these fields and UNESCO recommends efforts to attract and retain women to these fields. The European Commission (EC)’s European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda intends to ‘promote gender equality and foster inclusiveness’. ‘She Figures’ is a study that began in 2003 and collects data and statistics on the status of gender equality in European research and innovation (R&I). It is updated every three years, allowing progress with the evolving situation to be closely monitored. In the 2021 edition of ‘She Figures’ it is highlighted that while numbers of female students at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels are steadily rising, women are distinctly underrepresented in R&I careers. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “We still need to do more to promote gender equality, in particular to inspire girls for a career in STEM.” The report highlighted disparities among different fields of study with, for example, only 21 per cent of female ICT graduates and 27 per cent of female engineering graduates, while in health and welfare, the figures rise to 60 per cent and 67 per cent respectively. This suggests remaining outdated misconceptions in terms of traditionally male-dominated and female-dominated areas and the need for change.