Abstract

HERNANDEZ HERRERA, Claudia Alejandra  and  HERNANDEZ HERRERA, Mary Carmen. Analysis of perceptions in STEM positions held by women. RIDE. Rev. Iberoam. Investig. Desarro. Educ [online]. 2023, vol.13, n.26, e047.  Epub Oct 09, 2023. ISSN 2007-7467.  https://doi.org/10.23913/ride.v13i26.1486.

Female empowerment is related to women's employment-it is a fact that opens the possibilities of having economic autonomy, and facing various forms of gender violence that can take place in the family or in social structures. The objective of this article is to analyze the perceptions of women who work in STEM sectors regarding various elements that affect their entry, permanence and development in the labor field, and to identify possible acts of discrimination and gender gaps. It is a qualitative study, in which 15 semi-structured interviews with STEM women were conducted. It was found that the main motivations of these women arise from the early approach to cars, computers, airplanes, as well as a strong sense of achievement. On the other hand, it was discovered that women do not have the same opportunities as men in STEM fields. Another result obtained is that women (in order to find a place in the labor market) have had to deal with men who feel superior, and the lack of experience in the field. Finally, it was found that in the public sector there is a culture of merit that leads to be promoted, but in the private sector there are no clear promotion mechanisms. It is concluded that, in order to prevent and eliminate any type of discrimination or workplace violence, it is necessary to work with the sector that hires STEM women, in addition to implementing strategies that allow entry and their permanence at work.

Keywords : Women STEM; labor market; discrimination; violence; glass ceiling.