Equality in Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development: Global Trends and Challenges

Despite the recognition of the importance of women’s active participation in the technical-scientific sector – an element considered essential for growth and sustainability all around the world – a strong gender gap still persists in this field globally. Not only do fewer women undertake studies in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) than men (although a small increase in female representation in higher education and University has occurred), but even when they do and choose to take up these professions, they tend to leave in its early stages and are unlikely to reach managerial positions. It must be said that in the past decades women have made remarkable strides in education and in the workforce, nevertheless today there is still a huge imbalance in their participation in STEM fields, particularly at more advanced career levels. Although STEM fields are widely regarded as critical to national economies, so far, most countries, industrialized or not, have not achieved gender equality in STEM.