59% of Women Scientists Have Considered Leaving Science: Key Barriers for Women in STEM

The public organization INSCIENCE and the Cedos Analytical Center, with the support of UN Women Ukraine, conducted a comprehensive study on the experiences of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) within the framework of the programme “EU for Gender Equality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence,” funded by the European Union. The aim of the research was to identify the factors that motivate female students and women scientists in STEM fields to pursue a scientific career or to leave it.

In Ukraine, women account for 49.7% of all research personnel — one of the highest shares in Europe. However, behind this seemingly positive figure lies a different trend: the higher the career level in science, the fewer women are represented. Women make up only 26.4% of those holding doctoral degrees and just 12.8% of heads of research institutions, indicating the presence of systemic barriers to women’s career advancement in the scientific sector.

To design effective policies to support women in science, it is essential to deeply understand their experiences and challenges. Why do women choose scientific careers? What motivates them to grow professionally, and what drives them to leave science?

Despite increasing attention to gender equality in science, Ukraine has long lacked comprehensive research that systematically analyzes working conditions, motivations, and challenges faced by women in STEM fields. The study conducted by Cedos and INSCIENCE with the support of UN Women Ukraine provides deeper insight into the environments in which women scientists work, what motivates them, the barriers they face, and how the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has affected their careers.

The findings revealed that more than half (59%) of surveyed women scientists have considered leaving their scientific careers at least once.

Among the key challenges cited by respondents were low wages (78%), a heavy administrative workload (40%), inadequate technical and material resources in research institutions (40%), high levels of stress and burnout (38%), and uncertainty about the future (35%).

In addition, the study showed that gender discrimination and sexism remain major issues in Ukraine’s scientific sector. Every second woman scientist reported experiencing patronizing or diminutive forms of address during her education; one in three encountered gender-based bias; and one in five faced sexual harassment.

Based on the findings, a set of recommendations was developed for public authorities, educational and research institutions, businesses, international organizations and donors, civil society, and the media. Only through collective efforts can a system be created in which women are able to remain in science, grow professionally, build careers, innovate, and be visible. Expanding opportunities for women scientists ultimately strengthens science as a whole.

The full research report is available at the following link: https://inscience.io/en/women-in-science/research/ 

The research was conducted by INSCIENCE and the Cedos Analytical Center within the framework of the “WOMEN IN SCIENCE” project, as part of the programme “EU for Gender Equality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence” (Phase 2), funded by the European Union and implemented jointly with UN Women Ukraine and UNFPA.

This research was conducted with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UN Women and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.