While the number of scientists has slightly increased globally over the past few years, in 2021 women still represented only around 33% of the total with this showing that no progress has been made since 2018, according to data by UNESCO. Despite efforts to decrease the gap, women are still under-represented, mainly in those sectors traditionally dominated by men.
On 9 February, two days ahead of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, UNESCO will host an event to discuss ways to accelerate the actions that aim to close the gender gap in science. This article presents certain insights into the current situation of women in science ahead of this important day.
Globally, the number of researchers per million inhabitants has grown from 1,143.1 in 2015 to 1,352.5 in 2021. However, women still represent on average 40% of all researchers across OECD countries and 33.3% globally and represent only 12% of national science academy members.
Gender, racial and ethnic bias as well as stereotypes are among the main hindrances young women face while seeking career opportunities in research, particularly when it comes to historically male-dominated working environments. In many countries, girls’ abilities in maths or other science subjects, are underestimated, which directly or indirectly discourages them from pursuing studies in this direction. In a study on gender stereotypes, when children were asked to draw a mathematician or scientist, most girls drew men and not women. Another study shows that in the USA Latin American, Black, and Indigenous women accounted for less than 10% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in 2023, the same as in 2022.
Across OECD countries, the highest rate of 56% is recorded in Lithuania and the lowest in Luxembourg at 23%. Only 30% of researchers in OECD countries are women which means that female scientists not only face barriers to entry but also encounter obstacles on their career ladder.
The gender distribution is also not even across research fields. For instance, women constitute around 45% of researchers in social sciences and psychology while in education, women have almost reached numerical parity, as 45–55% of Bachelor’s and Master’s level graduates are women. However, at the Ph.D. level, women represent only 44%.
On the other hand, in physics and astronomy, the situation is very much worse, as women account for just 15% of the total. However, some progress has been recorded in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics workforce, a sector that has been historically dominated by men with two in five STEM workers now women. In the field of AI only one in five professionals, or 22% are women.
Fig.1.Women corresponding authors, by science field
Source: OECD
Gender inequality widens when women enter the labor market. Women are awarded shorter, temporary contracts, and their work is frequently underrepresented in high-profile journals. Compared to their male counterparts, women scientists also often receive smaller research grants.
With regard to the pay gap, women researchers earn on average 5-6% less than men across OECD countries. According to OECD data, the gap is particularly noticeable in engineering and computer sciences, reaching about 27%.
Commenting on this state of affairs, UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, said:
“Even today, in the 21st century, women and girls are being sidelined in science-related fields due to their gender. Women need to know that they have a place in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and that they have a right to share in scientific progress”.
It is generally acknowledged that global progress in science, medicine or any other field strongly depends on the pool of talent and, in this context, it is becoming evident that strengthening the position of women and girls in science will lead to diversity in research, fresh perspectives, and the harnessing of full potential. Therefore, ahead of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it is important to remind ourselves of the importance that women and girls play in scientific and technological progress.
