Why Czechia Has the Lowest Number of Women in Science in the EU
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Loading... - Angela Auge
- 17 Dec 2024
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The Czech Republic has been identified as having the lowest percentage of women working in science within the European Union, according to a recent report from the National Contact Center – Gender and Science, part of the Czech Academy of Sciences. This alarming trend highlights a significant issue in the country's research sector, where, despite overall growth, the representation of women in scientific fields has declined over the years.
The monitoring report, which analyzed data from 2005 to 2022, reveals that while the total number of individuals employed in research and development has doubled during this period, the proportion of women in these roles has slightly decreased. By 2022, women accounted for only 28.7% of scientific positions in the Czech Republic, marking the lowest percentage in the EU. This indicates a failure to fully leverage the potential of qualified women in science, raising concerns about gender equity in the research sector.
Interestingly, women dominate undergraduate and master’s degree programs in the Czech Republic, and their numbers among doctoral students are gradually increasing. However, this upward trend does not translate into senior roles within academic institutions. Dr. Maříková-Kubková, a representative from the academic community, notes that her institution lacks women in top-level management positions, reflecting a broader issue of gender imbalance in leadership roles.
This disparity extends beyond leadership positions, as women are often relegated to administrative roles while men predominantly occupy leadership positions. This structural inequality limits women's influence and decision-making power within scientific institutions.
Motherhood presents another significant barrier to career advancement for women in science. Barbora Pafčo, a scientist at the Institute of Vertebrate Biology, emphasizes the challenges women face when returning to the rapidly evolving scientific field after maternity leave. The disruption caused by maternity leave can hinder their ability to keep pace with advancements in their field, ultimately limiting their professional growth and opportunities for advancement.
When compared to the broader European Union, the gender disparity in Czechia becomes even more pronounced. Women make up 52% of the workforce in science and research across the EU, with Lithuania leading the way at 64% female representation. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for Czechia to address the systemic barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the scientific workforce.
The Czech Republic's position as the EU country with the lowest number of women in science raises critical questions about gender equity in research and development. While progress has been made in higher education, significant challenges remain in leadership representation and the impact of motherhood on women's careers. To foster a more inclusive scientific community, it is essential for policymakers and academic institutions to implement strategies that support women's advancement in science, ensuring that the potential of qualified women is fully realized and leveraged for the benefit of the research sector and society as a whole.
