Women make up nearly half of EU doctoral graduates, yet remain underrepresented in science, facing shorter careers and lower pay. On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the EU reaffirms its commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality in research.
(Michalina Szpyrka | euractiv.pl)
Despite making up almost half of all doctoral graduates in the EU, women only account for a third of the scientific research workforce. This inequality is further compounded by the fact that, according to the UN, women’s careers in science tend to be shorter and less well-paid than their male counterparts. Unconscious bias, lack of mentorship, and limited access to resources continue to hinder women’s potential in science, even as progress is being made.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on February 11, recognizes achievements while encouraging the next generation of female scientists. While inspiring young talent is crucial, supporting women already succeeding in academia and leadership roles is equally important.
The European Commission, as the guardian of the EU’s core values, has consistently championed gender equality within research and innovation. This commitment is evident through its focus on institutional change within the European Research Area (ERA), aiming to break down barriers at all career stages in science.
In 2022, this commitment was reinforced as the EU secured applications from various institutions for participation in Horizon Europe. However, funding for the Gender Equality Plan (GEP) remains vital. The GEP envisions an environment where science can thrive without gender-based obstacles.
The GEP takes a multifaceted approach, tackling work-life balance, ensuring gender parity in leadership and decision-making, and promoting fairness in recruitment and career advancement. It also emphasizes inclusivity, acknowledging intersectionality and taking action against gender-based violence. Ultimately, the EU’s equality strategy seeks to create a sustainable scientific landscape where women can achieve their full potential.
The EU has established the EU Gender Equality Defenders Award to promote gender equality. This award acknowledges scientific and research organizations that successfully implement Gender Equality Plans (GEP). By recognizing these organizations, the award aims to create a network of experts and leaders who can inspire others to make similar institutional changes.
Seven gender equality champions from countries including Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and France have been honored in two award ceremonies. The next ceremony will be held in March 2025.
Universitat Rovira I Virgili in Spain, where most research groups are led by women, and the university actively campaigns against sexual harassment and discrimination, is one example of an award-winning institution. Another example is South East Technological University in Ireland, which has achieved gender balance among its teaching staff and leadership teams at all levels.
Empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is essential. The EU is funding multiple research and innovation projects to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM, despite their high skill levels, as highlighted by the “She Figures 2021” report.
These projects aim to increase the participation of young girls in STEM and improve the recruitment, retention, and career advancement of women in science, both within and outside the EU.
One such project, Horizon Europe STREAM IT, offers a range of solutions to break down barriers for underrepresented groups in STEM. These solutions include workshops to guide young girls toward science, hands-on activities in science centers and museums, mentoring programs, and the creation of national and international networks.
Additionally, the Horizon Europe program is collaborating with Erasmus on three projects—Road-STEAMer, The SEER, and SENSE—to develop an action plan for science education. These initiatives aim to create inclusive educational environments by breaking down gender stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of creative thinking and applied arts alongside STEM subjects.
The STEAMBrace project is also working to eliminate the gender gap in research and innovation by fostering networking among stakeholders, collecting data, and organizing training, while creating a pan-European alliance to integrate efforts and build sustainable structures that support women in science.
The European Union’s initiatives are fostering tangible advancements in gender equality within the scientific community. Dr. Anne L’Huillier’s 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded for her research on laser-atom interactions, was made possible by the support of the MSCA program.
Similarly, Prof. Rana Sanyal, the 2024 European Award for Women Innovators recipient, highlights the EU’s pivotal role in funding women-led research.
Alba García-Fernández and Erika Pineda Ramirez, both engaged in EU-funded cancer research projects, further exemplify the EU’s positive impact. García-Fernández underscores the importance of perseverance and self-belief, while Pineda Ramirez encourages women researchers to remain resolute, as science needs their expertise and dedication.
These narratives collectively illustrate the significance of institutional backing and EU funding in dismantling obstacles and fostering gender parity within scientific research.
Ensuring social justice and effectively addressing contemporary challenges necessitates supporting women in science and eradicating gender bias in research and innovation. The European Union’s initiatives, such as implementing the Gender Equality Plan, acknowledging institutions that spearhead change, and financing STEM-oriented projects, are fostering novel opportunities for young female researchers and reinforcing women’s roles in the European scientific community.
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