Abstract:

Introduction. According to UNESCO, just 30% of the world’s researchers are women. Despite the fact that many women are enrolled at university, start scientific careers and there is female representation at many levels (students, researchers and teachers), many of them are forced to abandon these careers, especially when it comes to aspiring to relevance or management positions. The gender gap is still a prominent issue. Achieving equality between women and men should be a core goal not only for governments, but also for the entire educational community.

Objectives. As researchers and teachers of students of the highest educational levels, we are responsible for highlighting the disparity between men and women and we are committed to recognising the role of women in science and research and women empowerment. Our main goal was to create awareness about the discrimination women face, especially in positions of responsibility, as the scientific career progresses, and to analyze how students perceive the differences between men and women depending on their own experiences.

Methods. As part of the initiative of the University of Granada called “Science Career Paths”, we participated as speakers to present our research experience and the challenges we have faced as women in science. Besides, we conducted an anonymous survey amongst first-year students of the subject Biochemistry in different degrees (Nursery, Odontology, Physiotherapy and Physical Activity Sport Science; N = 116).

Results. 92 women teachers participated in “Science Career Paths” on February 11th 2021, “The International Day of Women and Girls in Science”, to visualize the research career of women at the University of Granada. 116 students (64% women and 36% men) taking Biochemistry subjects in four different degrees participated in this study completing an anonymous questionnaire based on 22 questions.

Conclusions. Students were highly motivated by the diversity of the several activities proposed regarding gender equality. Drawing conclusions from survey, we can conclude that our students do not appreciate differences regarding sex in abilities or capacity for initiative and creativity. They consider women and men as equals. However, students recognize that science has not treated men and women equally over time, and nowadays, even with the same capabilities, there is a gender gap especially in relevant management positions. Most of the students associated this with the fact that balance of personal, family and work life is not equally facilitated for both men and women.

Keywords:

Gender, equality, high education, biochemistry.