East to West collaboration for a gender equality in STEM.

Abstract

[EN]Gender disparity is a global issue affecting every field around the Globe. The disparity is higher in STEM subjects, including Geosciences. South Korean government has implemented many measures to reduce disparity in STEM subjects, and gender equality at the youth level improved significantly. Yet the numbers are still low in age 40 and diminish at higher ranks: women in age 30-40 are pressurized by sociocultural imbalance issues (childcare), and by organizational restrictions (glass ceiling) after 40. Thus, it is critical to connect sociocultural measures on gender disparity in households and organization reform to achieve overall gender equality at all levels. Previous studies show that promoting women’s leadership in STEM (including Geosciences) can help in closing the gender gap by increasing role models for female students. We analysed successful good practices, such as collaboration within developing strategies through ERASMUS + projects with western countries and eastern countries. Closing the gender gap in STEM areas should transcend borders, by implementing a multilateral and international focus for building networks that will reduce the gap within academia and research fields, also in higher level roles by supporting women’s careers towards a new, equal paradigm within Geoscience, as part of STEM fields.