Since its first publication in 2003, the She Figures report serves as a key source of comparable, Europe-wide statistics on gender equality in Research and Innovation.
What is She Figures?
She Figures is a key publication by the European Commission that provides statistical insights into gender equality in research and innovation across Europe. Released every three years, She Figures tracks the progress and representation of women in academia, research careers, and leadership roles. The report examines indicators such as the proportion of female researchers, gender pay gaps, and access to research funding. She Figures serves as a benchmark for policymakers, institutions, and stakeholders to drive gender-inclusive reforms in research and higher education.
The report covers multiple aspects of gender equality, including the distribution of women and men at different career stages, the proportion of women in scientific publications, and access to competitive funding. By offering these comprehensive statistics, She Figures provides a clear picture of the challenges and improvements in gender equality within research environments.
Why is She Figures Important?
Gender equality in research and innovation is crucial for scientific excellence, economic growth, and social progress. She Figures highlights disparities in the representation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, leadership positions, and funding allocations. By shedding light on these gaps, the report enables European institutions and governments to implement targeted policies to foster an inclusive research environment.
Moreover, diversity in research teams has been shown to increase creativity and improve problem-solving by incorporating different perspectives. By ensuring that women have equal opportunities in research, She Figures contributes to a more innovative and competitive European research landscape.
Evolution from 2021 to 2024
The She Figures 2024 report showcases notable progress in gender equality across various research and innovation sectors since 2021. Key developments include:
- A gradual increase in the percentage of female researchers, particularly in life sciences and social sciences, with some progress in STEM fields.
- A reduction in the gender pay gap in research institutions, though disparities remain in certain disciplines, particularly in high-earning STEM careers.
- More women attaining senior academic positions, with policies supporting gender-balanced hiring practices, mentorship programs, and flexible work arrangements.
- Increased participation of women in EU-funded research programs, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive scientific landscape.
- Strengthened efforts to combat gender-based biases in research funding allocations, ensuring equal access to resources for women-led projects.
- Continued challenges in engineering and technology fields, where female representation remains significantly low compared to other disciplines, despite outreach programs encouraging young women to pursue careers in these areas.
While these improvements indicate positive trends, persistent barriers such as unconscious bias, work-life balance challenges, and limited representation in top leadership positions require further attention and action.
Country-Specific Examples
1. Germany:
Germany has made strides in promoting gender equality in research, with initiatives such as the “Professorinnenprogramm” aimed at increasing the number of female professors. However, disparities persist in STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented. The 2024 report highlights improvements in gender-equal recruitment policies but also underscores the need for further efforts in leadership representation. New funding initiatives targeting female-led research projects have been introduced to support long-term gender balance.
2. Spain:
Spain has been a frontrunner in gender equality policies, with strong legislative support for women in research. The She Figures 2024 report shows that Spain has one of the highest shares of female researchers in Europe, particularly in social sciences and humanities. Efforts to close the gender pay gap and promote work-life balance have also contributed to steady progress in research careers. The country has also implemented gender quotas in research institutions, ensuring greater female representation in decision-making roles.
3. Czech Republic:
The Czech Republic continues to struggle with gender disparities in research, particularly in engineering and technology. The She Figures 2024 report highlights the low representation of women in senior academic positions, despite an increasing number of female graduates in science-related fields. Gender mainstreaming policies and mentoring programs have been introduced to address these gaps, along with targeted scholarship programs to encourage more women to pursue PhDs in STEM fields.
4. Croatia:
Croatia has witnessed positive developments in gender equality in research, with more women securing research grants and leadership roles. However, challenges remain in terms of career progression and funding opportunities for female researchers. The She Figures 2024 report points to ongoing policy initiatives aimed at reducing gender-based disparities in academia and research funding. The government has also implemented initiatives focused on supporting early-career female researchers through mentoring networks and grant programs.
Conclusion
She Figures 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of gender equality trends in research and innovation across Europe. While progress has been made since 2021, disparities still exist, particularly in STEM fields and senior leadership roles. By leveraging data-driven insights, European countries can continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable research environment, ensuring that talent and innovation are not hindered by gender-related barriers.
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