Of the 89 countries with available data, women represent less than 30% of scientific researchers around the world, according to the bulletin. Yet there is considerable variation among regions.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, women account for 46% of the reported number of researchers. In contrast, the share falls to 15% in Asia and about 30% in Africa as well as Western and Central Europe.

The bulletin explores the dynamics behind these trends by tracking women’s participation in higher education programmes, as well as gender gaps in university fields of study. The analysis clearly shows the divergent paths women and men take towards careers in research.


Download the bulletin


UNESCO Institute for Statistics


Women and Science at UNESCO


Interview with scientist Jane Goodall
One of the most famous female scientists in the world

Photo: © Quinnpac