Women in Geosciences: an overview

Abstract

This article examines the evolving role of women geoscientists, highlighting both progress and persistent inequalities that continue to shape this discipline. Although women now account for approximately 40% of researchers worldwide, their representation in Geosciences remains uneven, particularly in senior academic, leadership and decision-making positions. Data from the United States, Europe and at country level consistently reveal a pronounced “leaky pipeline,” whereby female representation declines progressively beyond the PhD stage, often falling below 20% among full professors. In Italy, this trend is reflected in the well-known “scissors effect”, with women’s presence decreasing steadily across successive career levels. Despite growing evidence that women’s scientific productivity is comparable to, or in some cases exceeds, that of their male colleagues, disparities persist in authorship, citations, research visibility and access to leadership roles. Structural and cultural barriers, including bias, unequal recognition and limited access to decision-making roles, continue to shape women’s careers and hinder their advancement. Fieldwork, a fundamental component of Geosciences, presents additional challenges exposing women to a greater risk of harassment while also amplifying logistical constraints associated with caregiving responsibilities. These issues are often even more pronounced for individuals belonging to other underrepresented groups. A range of initiatives has been developed to address these disparities, including mentoring and training programs, safer fieldwork approaches, and institutional policies designed to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. Equally important is the recognition of the often overlooked contributions of historical women geoscientists, whose achievements provide valuable role models for future generations. Although significant progress has been made in increasing women’s participation in Geosciences, gender inequality remains deeply embedded within academic and professional structures. Achieving genuine equity requires more than numerical balance: it demands sustained structural reforms, cultural change, equitable recognition of scientific contributions, and inclusive working environments. Continued commitment from educational institutions, scientific organizations, funding agencies, and policymakers is essential to build a more diverse, equitable, and innovative geoscience community.