Women’s Empowerment Initiatives in Brazilian Universities: Cases of Extension Programs to Promote Sustainable Development

Abstract

The recognition of the role played by women in society in the political, social and academic fields is increasingly being discussed. The objective is to mitigate gender inequalities maintained by historical and cultural obstacles and, therefore, to achieve ways for women’s empowerment. In this sense, universities can contribute positively. They can do so mainly through extension programs that promote the United Nations Fourth and Fifth Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, higher education institutions have a fundamental role in connecting science with the community. Also, there is currently a low percentage of women working in the area of exact and technological sciences, both academically and in other market sectors. That said, through a qualitative approach and bibliographic research, this article aims to explore the role of Brazilian universities in contributing to the empowerment of women in science. Through this objective, the extension programs carried out by Brazilian universities in southern Brazil, the Maternal-Child and Family CareProgram and the Girls in Science Program will be discussed. In this way, new perspectives on university extension programs will be outlined and analyses of how these initiatives include women in careers such as science and technology will be made. This inclusion, however, requires initiatives by the government, universities and society to finally minimize gender inequalities.