Only 27% of women in science courses have finished their studies
The percentage of women graduating from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses in Brazil has nearly halved since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019, 53 percent of women who enrolled in these courses graduated, compared to 37 percent of men. Since 2020, graduation rates have declined for both groups, but the drop has been steeper among women. By 2023, only 27 percent of women and 23 percent of men completed their studies, reflecting a 48 percent decrease in graduation rates for women and a 36 percent decline for men.
The data come from a survey conducted by Nexus—Research and Data Intelligence, based on information from the Anísio Teixeira National Institute for Educational Studies and Research (Inep). The findings were released on Tuesday (Feb. 11) to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Nexus CEO Marcelo Tokarski finds the post-pandemic data concerning. “Graduation rates have declined for both women and men, but the drop has been more pronounced among women, likely due to economic factors such as unemployment or reduced income, as well as increased family caregiving responsibilities,” he explains.
The vice president of the Brazilian Society for the Advancement of Science (SBPC), Francilene Garcia, explains that during times of crisis, the demand for women’s time and responsibilities tends to increase.
“Women are often expected to take on greater family responsibilities, which has likely placed them in disadvantaged positions when it comes to continuing their education,” she stated.
Francilene Garcia emphasizes that in recent years, affirmative policies—such as scholarships and funding programs targeted at women—developed by governments, research support foundations, and other organizations have been crucial for women's inclusion. She adds that these policies must now also focus on ensuring their completion of training.
“It is crucial to re-evaluate the policies and make adjustments to strengthen the presence of women," argues the vice-president of the SBPC.
Careers in Science
In Brazil, careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics remain predominantly male-dominated. However, data show a growing interest among women in these fields over the past decade.
The survey reveals that in 2023, 74 percent of students entering STEM courses were men, while women accounted for 26 percent.
Although the percentage of women is lower, it has increased, though not as significantly as that of men.
Between 2013 and 2023, the number of women entering degree programs in the exact and biological sciences grew from 176,547 to 227,317, marking a 29 percent increase. Over the same period, the number of male freshmen rose by 56 percent, double the rate of growth among women.
Most popular courses
A study classifies STEM courses into three main groups. The first group encompasses natural sciences, mathematics, and statistics, which includes 22 courses related to fields such as biology, physics, chemistry, and geology. The second group covers computing and information and communication technologies (ICT), with 19 courses, including computer science, artificial intelligence, and other digital-related degrees. The third group consists of engineering, production, and construction, comprising 88 degrees, including architecture and urban planning.
In 2023, the majority of women entering STEM courses (48%) chose the engineering group. The computer science group followed with 43 percent of freshmen, while the natural sciences group accounted for 9 percent.
While female engineers still make up the largest group, the survey indicates a declining trend in the number of female freshmen. Between 2013 and 2023, enrollment in engineering courses dropped by 21 percent. In contrast, the number of women entering computer science grew by 368 percent, while the natural sciences, mathematics, and statistics group saw an 11 percent increase over the same period.
According to Francilene Garcia, a greater presence of women, along with increased diversity and plurality, leads to better scientific outcomes.
"Science will have a greater impact on human life on Earth the more diverse and inclusive it becomes. We need both men and women who are capable of studying and understanding the phenomena we face today, from global challenges to local issues, with a balanced representation," Garcia argues.
