T46. Women in Geosciences: a journey through the social changes from the past to present and future scenarios

The expansion of public education in the twentieth century resulted in an increasing number of women obtaining professional geosciences qualifications even though employment opportunities were still limited. Compared to men, women are still underrepresented in geosciences and in the professional workforce due to multiple factors contributing to the disparity. Some of the key factors include historical gender bias and stereotypes which could have influenced perceptions about which studies are considered more suitable for men or women, especially regarding the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
Geosciences, often associated with fieldwork and physical demands, may be subject to stereotyping that discourages women from pursuing careers in the field. Moreover, the workplace culture, family and work-life balance can exacerbate the perception that geosciences careers require significant time away from home, often resulting as a barrier for women.
In this session, we seek contributions that highlight (i) scientific and professional achievements by women in the past, (ii) the current status informed by quantitative data and (iii) future actions to empower the representation of women in geosciences. This includes creating more inclusive and supportive environments, promoting diversity in leadership roles, providing mentorship opportunities already starting from secondary schools, and challenging stereotypes and biases.