Women and science without barriers

The issue of gender equality in science – and in other fields – was far from news when, in 1998, the International Program For Women in Science was created.

Recognizing women who have distinguished themselves in different regions of the world for their discoveries and encouraging young scientists to pursue promising projects were two goals of the L’Oréal-UNESCO partnership, contributing to a more just and equitable science.

Over the now celebrated 25 years since For Women in Science began, European indicators assessing equality in teaching, science and academic employment have improved. In Portugal, for example, there are already more female PhDs, and the presence of females in research teams is close to equal: we have 52.9% of female PhDs and 43.3% of researchers are women, according to the latest European statistics are numbers. Moreover, Portugal is a country where most of the indicators evaluated are above the European average.

If it is true that this path should make us proud, it is also true that there is still a lot to go.

There are areas where the notorious lack of inclusion and equity remains and where low women’s participation means a risk – that of maintaining a biased, biased viewpoint. Senior positions and leadership in research and academia are an example. Areas of knowledge related to ICT – information and communication technology – are other areas.

Even in Portugal, where the signs are mostly encouraging, the Statistical Bulletin of Gender Equality It tells us that only 17.5% of those entering higher education in this field of ICT are women, and in specialized jobs they are only a fifth. In STEM, which also includes other sciences, engineering, and math, the numbers are slightly better, but Portuguese women still account for 37% of graduates.

So, while the scientific world and society in general is not pluralistic and inclusive enough, more still needs to be done.

It is essential to continue to give recognition and visibility to these women of science, so that they can advance, so that they can serve as a model for the following generations and so that their talents are not lost when there are so many challenges that need their knowledge and contribution.

on one reconnaissance Of the nearly 4,000 scientists supported by For Women in Science programs over these 25 years, 93% felt the support they received boosted their confidence, 95% told us it increased their visibility, and 81% revealed that more professional opportunities opened up and practically all of them They are still investigating and intend to continue in the coming years.

get this comment of young and scientific women would be sufficient to justify the continuity of these initiatives. Having this feedback reinforces the conviction that has guided us here, also in Portugal, where the Medals of Honor program for women in science has been running for 19 years.

We will continue with the same conviction that it is essential to support science and the role of women in science and that this is a change that needs everyone, challenging more organizations to join in this purpose – so that these extraordinary women can remove barriers, respond to challenges that affect everyone and change the living conditions of millions of people for the better.