Abstract:

It is recognised that globally women’s research footprints are smaller than men’s and that diversity is lacking at senior management levels in most university. Research conducted by the H2020 TInnGO project (Transport and Innovation Gender Observatory) detailed over 30 barriers to women’s progression in transport related research and provided a set of far-reaching recommendations which would enable HEIs and research funders to increase diversity. These are presented, along with a discussion of barriers to women’s progression in Pakistan, based on outcomes from ‘world cafe’ events which occurred during the delivery of capacity building courses.

Narratives show that misogynistic attitudes and gender discrimination are part of the everyday experience of women in STEM subjects, with line managers and research directors playing key roles in setting the ethos of a centre. Changes are needed. Women, and those from more diverse backgrounds need to be better supported in their efforts to fight for recognition of their strengths and abilities, and to get wider recognition of their sex and gender related needs.

Keywords:

Gender, Pakistan, transport, educational ergonomics.