Study sheds light on what it takes for women to succeed – or not – in science in Africa

Women are 49.6% of the world’s population. An estimated 70% of the health and social care workforce are women; they deliver care to around 5 billion people. Women are also at the front-line of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic – as health caregivers, researchers, scientists and policymakers.

There is a well-recognised gender disparity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This prompted the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa) to conduct a study on factors contributing to or inhibiting women’s careers in these key fields in Africa.

The study highlighted the numerous factors that contribute to or hinder women’s success in these fields. It also explored how these reinforce each other.

Understanding what these factors are, and how they operate, is vital to devising the multi-pronged approach that’s necessary for tackling these challenges.

What we do find significant is the stronger influence in Africa of role models, mentoring and family support in moving women along the trajectory of a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The study

Our study targeted research institutions within Africa’s eight regional economic communities recognised by the African Union. Particular focus was placed on institutions that the African Academy of Sciences works with and their networks with other programmes that support women in research.

Respondents included women working in or studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Policy experts in Africa were also included.

back link building services=0></a></div><p>Over 1200 emails were sent out to several institutions and 415 women scientists registered for the online survey. Of these, 396 (95.4%) completed the questionnaire that identified factors contributing to or inhibiting women’s careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Africa.</p><p>It specifically identified the challenges and opportunities that respondents face or have faced in their own careers. A face-to-face validation workshop was held with a subset of female scientists.</p><p>The study showed that women’s success in these key fields was influenced by individual, family, societal and work environment factors. These included personal capabilities and academic preparation.</p><p>Access to funding and having women role models also emerged as factors. Patriarchal attitudes at a macro level were most significant. For those already working in these areas, the work environment and recruitment process, promotion and gender relations were major influences.</p><p>Policies to address the gender gap were reported to exist but rarely implemented.</p><h2>Findings</h2><p>Our <a href=https://www.aasciences.africa/publications/factors-which-contribute-or-inhibit-women-science-technology-engineering-and target=_blank rel=

study found that seeing other women working in these fields was a significant factor in influencing their choice to be in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Girls from families with women professionals were motivated to follow their lead. Other successful scientists also acted as role models for younger women.

We found that 78% of women had family support, 7% of families were not supportive, and only 2.4% were highly negative. This suggests that personal capability or lack of family support do not inhibit women’s success in these fields.

Over two-thirds of all respondents agreed that patriarchal attitudes are significant. Discrimination against women in securing decision making positions, hegemonic masculinity perpetuated by socio-cultural values and beliefs affect women’s ability to succeed. So too do organisational perceptions of gender inequality among both men and women.

Nearly 80% reported that women faced obstacles in the work environment that men did not, and that 63% percent constantly needed to prove themselves to be as capable as men.