TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN EDUCATION AND CAREER IN THE EARTH OBSERVATION AND GI SECTOR

Gender inequality in STEM education and careers is well documented, but little was known about it specifically within the Earth Observation and Geoinformatics (EO*GI) sector. The Women in Copernicus initiative was established to make women working in this field, and in the Copernicus ecosystem in particular, more visible.

The study aims to close part of this knowledge gap by identifying the reasons women do not choose STEM education and the barriers they encounter along their career path in the EO*GI sector.

The authors analyse a survey of 462 women, examining the reasons behind their educational choices and the obstacles encountered during their careers.

The survey identifies societal stereotypes, the absence of female role models, and cultural messaging in television and media as the main obstacles to choosing STEM education. A lack of self-confidence emerges as a further barrier, affecting both educational choice and career progression.

The authors state that these insights are valuable for political decision-making aimed at a gender-balanced work environment, and they emphasise the importance of attracting more girls and young women to STEM education and supporting them throughout their careers.