Keywords
schools
medical
sexism
working women
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Despite advances in gender equity in many areas, significant disparities persist in the academic field, particularly in medicine. These disparities are reflected in the underrepresentation of women at higher levels of the academic hierarchy, where they have fewer opportunities for promotion and access to leadership roles.
Objective: To analyze the academic situation of female professors in a School of Medicine at a Latin American university.
Method: Exploratory quantitative design that analyzed the distribution and academic progression, participation in research, leadership positions, teaching load, and recognitions, broken down by gender. The population included all female professors at the School of Medicine of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Results: In the School of Medicine, only 40.2% of the faculty were women, and they were underrepresented in the higher academic ranks. The probability of promotion for women was lower in all academic transitions. Men led 64.5% of project applications, and they also dominated in publications, recognitions, and leadership positions, with women occupying less than 30% of these roles.
Conclusions: Significant gender disparities exist in the School of Medicine, where women are underrepresented in higher academic ranks, have fewer opportunities for promotion, and are less present in leadership roles, research projects, and academic recognitions. This study fills an essential information gap to advance towards a more inclusive academia in Latin America.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Solange Rivera Mercado, María Trinidad Zegers Vial, Loreto Rojas Sobarzo, Margarita Bernales Silva, Andrea Cárdenas Díaz, María Francisca Elgueta Le-Beuffe