Equity for Women in Science

Gender parity in scientific research does not guarantee gender equity.

Women scientists have achieved or surpassed parity with male scientists in terms of papers they publish and other measures of output and impact. Yet a “parity paradox” persists in which women in science often receive lower pay and less recognition for their work than men receive for theirs. 

Gender inequity in science has origins stretching back centuries. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the work of pioneering women scientists such as paleontologist Mary Anning was overlooked and forgotten. By the late 19th century, exceptions had occurred – including physicist Hertha Ayrton, who earned awards and recognition, and who published in the leading journals of her era. Advances for women scientists came slowly. For example, the journal Nature did not change the slogan in its mission statement from “men of science” to “scientists” until the year 2000.

Women’s participation in science decreased in the 20th century when the sciences, formerly an amateur pursuit, became professionalized. That fueled the exclusion of...