Authors: Basco, Ana Inés ; Lavena, Cecilia ; Chicas en Tecnología.
Executive Summary
This research aims to analyze the educational and professional trajectories of women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in Argentina, and to understand the obstacles and barriers they face in accessing the labor market and advancing in their professional careers. The findings of this study provide a valuable contribution to the identification and implementation of policies and practices that can help close the gender gap and promote greater equality in the country and across the region.
The main findings are summarized below:
- Persistent Gender Gap in STEM Education: Only 33% of students enrolled in STEM degree programs between 2010 and 2016 were women, both at public and private universities. Although women tend to choose fields such as bachelor’s degrees and engineering programs, they do so at lower rates than men (23% in Engineering and 45% in Bachelor’s degree programs).
- Social and Educational Constraints: Women’s career choices are strongly influenced by gender stereotypes, family expectations, and school practices that discourage interest in technical disciplines from an early age. During their university education, they face subtle forms of discrimination that undermine their self-confidence and commitment to their chosen field.
- Micro-Inequalities and Exclusion in Educational Environments: Although women receive a greater share of public scholarships (55% compared to 45% for men), many report non-inclusive institutional environments characterized by sexist teaching practices and a lack of female role models, factors that contribute to higher dropout rates.
- Barriers in the Labor Market: Women face both “sticky floors” (difficulties in moving beyond low-skilled positions) and “glass ceilings” (invisible barriers to career advancement), resulting in their underrepresentation in STEM fields and leadership positions. Male-dominated workplace cultures and the lack of work–life balance policies further exacerbate these inequalities.
- Strategies of Resistance and Adaptation: Despite these barriers, many women develop strategies to advance professionally, including building networks of solidarity, adapting to male-dominated environments, seeking mentorship, and continuously demonstrating their competence in order to gain legitimacy and access to opportunities.
- Emerging Inclusion Efforts in Educational and Scientific Institutions: While some practices and policies aimed at promoting gender equity have been implemented, they remain neither systematic nor widespread. The study identifies isolated and poorly coordinated efforts to transform academic and professional environments into more inclusive spaces.
- Economic Impact and the Need for Structural Change: The study highlights that closing the gender gap in STEM could increase global GDP by as much as 26% by 2025. In Latin America, the estimated increase would be 34%. The report emphasizes that the full participation of women in these fields is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic opportunity for economic development.