Analysis of inequality between men and women enrolled and graduated in engineering programs in the Colombian Caribbean Region.

Resumen

Abstract-Engineering is fundamental for technological development and the solution of human needs. However, a gender gap persists in STEM careers, especially in Latin America. However, although there is a high proportion of a woman in university education, their presence in STEM areas is minimal, due to cultural and social factors where the concentration of knowledge is in the hands of men, because in many countries there are still prejudices about the fact that women study science and can work in these areas. The objective of this article is to analyze the inequalities between men and women in STEM careers in the Colombian Caribbean region. The methodology used in this research consisted in the collection of data and information from higher education databases (SNIES), for subsequent comparison, obtaining as results a lower proportion of women enrolled 29% and graduates (34%) in engineering in the aforementioned region, a comparison that was even more affected during the pandemic. Although there has been progress, inequalities still persist that require strategies to retain women in these careers and address the factors that affect their participation. It is recommended to conduct studies on participation in STEM areas, promote the visibility of women engineers, provide guidance to girls, implement retention strategies and foster a culture of equality in the academic environment.