One Step Closer to Equitable and Sustainable Science

Gender

This 11th of February marks a decade since the establishment of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by UNESCO, aimed at promoting full and equitable access and participation of women in this field. Over the past ten years, undeniable progress has been made, but at the same time, previously less visible barriers have become apparent—barriers that prevent women from fully developing their research potential. With every step forward, it becomes increasingly clear that it is not only necessary to promote female leadership but, above all, to transform science as a whole so that changes become sustainable over time.

The data still reminds us of the scale of the challenge. Although women make up 64% of the research centre workforce, only 45% of research projects are led by women. Furthermore, research groups led by women secure, on average, 35% fewer competitive funding resources than those led by men (DREU, 2023). This imbalance exemplifies the well-known “scissors diagram,” which illustrates how, despite the increasing access of women to scientific careers, leadership positions remain predominantly occupied by men. However, the 2024 Gender Equality Strategy in Science (EIGEC) sets out a promising path forward. Universities and research centres are working to reshape organisational structures, thus turning gender equality into a tangible and genuine commitment. Beyond symbolic declarations, concrete measures are already being implemented through equality plans and protocols. These efforts include promoting shared responsibility for caregiving between men and women, preventing, detecting, and addressing sexual and gender-based harassment, ensuring women’s leadership in research projects, reversing the vertical and horizontal segregation of tasks that still perpetuates the gender pay gap, and integrating a gender perspective into all research phases to prevent gender-blind results.

This effort is already yielding results. For example, in the field of health sciences, the percentage of women leading research projects has risen from 30% to 50% between 2021 and 2023, according to data from the Department of Research and Universities. This progress is no coincidence; it is the direct result of policies designed to tackle the invisible barriers that have hindered the careers of many women for far too long. However, resistance to change remains significant. Those driving these initiatives within research centres’ equality committees often face criticism and lack of understanding. Equitable and sustainable science is better science—not only because it ensures equal opportunities, but also because it enriches research with more diverse and inclusive perspectives. The integration of a gender perspective in research is not solely the responsibility of women; it is a collective duty that both men and women must embrace.

Our gratitude goes to all those who, with dedication and courage, are working to make this change a reality. The path to equality is not an easy one, but it is the only one that guarantees that future generations of female scientists will be able to fully dedicate themselves to what truly matters: advancing human knowledge without burdens or discrimination. Let this 11th of February serve as a reminder not only of the work still to be done, but also of what can be achieved when a commitment to gender equality is translated into action.

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Núria Alcaraz

Núria Alcaraz Coca és doctora en Sociologia especialitzada en gènere. Ha treballat com a consultora de gènere per a empreses privades i l’administració pública, i és professora associada al Departament de Sociologia de la UAB. Des de la I-CERCA dona suport als centres en aquest àmbit i en l’aplicació del Pla d’enfortiment de la llengua catalana.

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