Breaking barriers: Access initiatives for women in STEM at chilean universities

Abstract

This article examines the origin and development of access programs for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers at Chilean universities, within the context of the persistent gender gap in these disciplines. Utilizing a qualitative approach that includes interviews with academics and administrators, the study identifies systemic factors that have enabled the creation of these programs, highlighting the crucial role of the feminist movement of 2018 and the leadership of women in academia. It argues that these programs not only respond to the need to increase female enrollment but also aim to empower women by providing them with tools to challenge patriarchal structures. The analysis reveals how the convergence of public policies, normative changes, and the agency of committed women has facilitated the institutionalization of equity in access to engineering education. This study contributes to the discussion on diversity in engineering and proposes an intervention model that can be replicated in other Latin American contexts, promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment for future generations of women in STEM.