Search Results (75)

Children’s responses to the climate crisis range from mistrust and helplessness to activism and eco-anxiety, highlighting the need for early educational experiences that foster constructive engagement. At the same time, the persistent underrepresentation of women in science highlights the importance of integrating gender awareness into science education. While hands-on activities and storytelling are widely recognized as effective educational strategies, less attention has been given to how these approaches can be meaningfully combined within a single learning experience. This exploratory study investigates the integration of hands-on environmental science activities and theatrical storytelling as an interdisciplinary, gender-aware educational design for children aged 6 to 11. The intervention included clean energy and greenhouse effect experiments guided by two actresses portraying pioneering scientists, Eunice Newton Foote and Susan Solomon, situating scientific concepts within narrative, historical, and social contexts. Qualitative observations and an exploratory analysis of children’s drawings indicate that narrative and embodied approaches can support cognitive and emotional engagement while fostering more inclusive representations of scientific practice. The study proposes a preliminary, interdisciplinary approach of engagement and inclusion, providing a starting point for future research on integrated, gender-aware environmental education. Full article

Women have made substantial gains in representation in some STEM fields (e.g., biology, chemistry, math) but not others (e.g., physics, computer science, engineering). Researchers have called for a STEM field-specific approach to investigate the persistent gender gap. While some studies indicate that males report higher self-efficacy than females, which may contribute to the persistent gender gap, other studies do not. The current research used Hunter–Schmidt meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between gender and self-efficacy in STEM fields where women are underrepresented compared to fields where representation has improved. A meta-analysis of 145 effects found gender differences in self-efficacy in all but one field (biology), but the magnitude of the difference was field-specific. In computer science and physics, two fields in which underrepresentation most strongly persists, there were greater gender differences in self-efficacy compared to the other fields. Findings also highlight participant educational stage as a potentially important factor in explaining heterogeneity of gender differences in self-efficacy within STEM fields and as an area for continued research. Full article

This study conceptualizes gender inequality in leadership careers as the result of asymmetric forces embedded within organizational environments. The tailwind–headwind framework brings together cultural norms, organizational structures, and psychological responses to explain how the same institutional processes can generate systematically different career trajectories for men and women. By showing how cultural assumptions about leadership become institutionalized through organizational systems and internalized as personal experiences, the framework offers a clear and coherent explanation for the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Full article

Informal STEM education programs (ISEs) can be a successful vehicle for addressing the underrepresentation of girls in STEM by expanding their views of what constitutes science and debunking stereotypes related to who succeeds in STEM careers. Research has demonstrated how in-person ISEs provide opportunities for girls to engage in hands-on, authentic science experiences, interact with diverse women role models, and understand the real-world application of STEM to improve their STEM identity development (i.e., STEM competence, performance, self and external recognition, and sense of belonging within STEM). But few studies have focused on STEM identity development in online spaces. Our study addresses this gap through a mixed methods study that investigates how an online program (Brite), held in 2023, influenced the STEM identities of the participating girls. Our results highlight the aspects of the online program that improved the STEM identity for participants as well as lessons learned for future programs. The influential programmatic pieces were role model interactions and the supportive Brite community that included program educators, the other girls, and the Brite facilitators, which helped girls feel inspired and motivated to continue along their STEM identity trajectories. Full article

This study examines a seven-week informal familycentric rocketry pilot program designed for Latina girls in grades 5 and 6 and their parents. Grounded in Community Cultural Wealth and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, the program integrated Family Problem-Based Learning to position families as co-educators in science learning. Through activities such as designing NASA-style mission patches, constructing egg-drop devices, and launching rockets, the program sought to center family knowledge, bilingual practices, and cultural values within physical science experiences. Data reported here were collected through mid- and post-program surveys with both parents and daughters. Responses indicate strong engagement from families, with parents reporting increased high confidence in supporting their daughters’ science learning and daughters expressing enjoyment and strong interest in science learning. Both groups valued the use of English and Spanish and the program’s emphasis on collaborative, family-centered participation. Responses highlight the potential of culturally sustaining, familycentric approaches to address the underrepresentation of Latina women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) by fostering a sense of belonging. This study contributes to informal science education by demonstrating how families can be centered in a program focused on physical science. School-based outreach of this kind may also strengthen families and parent–child relationships. Full article

The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has been a longstanding issue. Traditionally, research on sex differences in cognitive abilities has focused on mean scores, which are often trivial and do not appear to explain sex disparities in STEM participation. Recently, intraindividual strengths have been proposed as a more relevant factor; they reflect an individual’s relative advantage in one skill (e.g., literacy) compared with a set of related skills (literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving). Previous studies have primarily examined younger cohorts, and intraindividual strengths remain unexplored across the lifespan. In this study, we employed data from the second cycle of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) including 157,525 individuals from 30 countries to assess sex differences in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving as intraindividual strengths across five age groups (16–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, and 55+ years). Consistent with previous research, women outperformed men in literacy, while men outperformed women in numeracy. These patterns were observed universally across countries and age groups. In contrast, no sex differences were observed in problem-solving. Future research should move beyond mean scores to focus on intraindividual strengths, as they may be more relevant for understanding sex disparities in STEM. Full article

A course was created at a large private R1 university in the northeast U.S. to explore Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in STEM in response to and to fulfill a university-wide DEIA requirement for undergraduates. To assess the effectiveness of the course, open-response pre- and post-tests were designed that measured students’ understanding of barriers to learning and participation across four underutilized groups in STEM: (1) women, (2) racial minorities, (3) people with disabilities, and (4) people raised in lower socioeconomic households. Written responses on the first and last day of class were analyzed for 69 unique students in three successive cohorts (Fall 2022, 2023, and 2024) and disaggregated by student-reported demographic data. A common codebook was developed that could be broadly applied to all four underutilized groups with overarching categories of individual/self; cultural/societal; and institutional/educational/career, with codes and subcodes specific to each category. Additionally, codes distinct to each underutilized group also emerged. As intended, students on average cited more total and unique barrier codes in the post-test than in the pre-test, confirming that the course had deepened their understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within educational systems and the broader culture that impact STEM inclusivity. When exploring STEM barriers for women, women reported more unique codes in the pre-test than men, but men showed higher gains from pre- to post-test. Similarly, White and Asian students showed greater gains than racial minority students when identifying STEM barriers for racial minorities. Students without disabilities reported a doubling in unique STEM barrier codes in the post-test. In these three groups, codes related to academic and workplace discrimination were commonly cited. Students who reported being from a low socioeconomic household were limited in this study, though these individuals included more unique codes in their pre-test responses on average. Students in this group commonly cited barriers related to access to opportunity. In general, we found that STEM students acquired significant understanding of barriers to STEM participation in the four underutilized groups of focus after completing a dedicated DEIA course. Additionally, learning gains were often greater in the majority (or privileged) demographic. Full article

This study examines the underrepresentation of women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) within Peruvian public universities and identifies factors associated with women’s program choice. A cross-sectional survey was administered to first-term students across three public institutions spanning Peru’s Highlands, Coast, and Amazon regions. Data from 1142 students (145 women) were used for descriptive analysis of segregation, while an inferential sample (N = 152; 76 STEMM, 76 non-STEMM) was used for modeling. The instrument was an adapted “University Students’ Questionnaire on STEM Studies in Higher Education (QSTEMHE)” (Cronbach’s α = 0.89). Descriptive statistics and a penalized (Firth) binary logistic regression were used to evaluate sociodemographic, contextual/experiential, and motivational predictors of enrolling in a STEMM major. The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and perception data are subject to self-report biases. Women accounted for 12.7% of STEMM enrolment overall, with pronounced horizontal segregation: engineering programs frequently recorded critically low female participation (≈3–5% in Civil, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering), whereas Medicine and Sanitary Engineering showed comparatively higher representation (27–38%). Perception data indicated that STEMM students more strongly rejected gender–ability stereotypes than non-STEMM peers, although a substantial proportion still reported constraining gender expectations and rigid household roles. In the penalized regression, Prior Interest in STEM (OR = 7.76; p = 0.018) and Motivation: Opportunities (OR = 2.24; p = 0.0001) significantly increased the probability of choosing STEMM. Crucially, Ethnicity emerged as a significant barrier: identifying as ‘Quechua’ (OR = 0.19; p = 0.0004) or ‘Other(s)’ (OR = 0.16; p = 0.011) significantly decreased this likelihood. Age, area of residence, and Motivation: Altruism was not significant. Findings support early, gender-responsive career guidance, mentoring, addressing intersectional ethnic barriers, and targeted financial aid to strengthen women’s participation and retention in STEMM. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health concern, especially for women in physically demanding jobs. Despite efforts to standardize risk assessment in occupational medicine, the lack of homogeneous criteria limits the comparability and applicability of the findings, particularly concerning gender-specific risks. A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. The review included primary studies in English or Italian that applied standardized criteria to assess MSDs among working women. The search strategy was built using the PICO framework, focusing on uniform assessment methods for MSDs in occupational contexts. Out of 416 initially retrieved records, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies, conducted in North America, Europe, and Asia, applied diverse yet standardized tools such as the ISO 2631, INRS/Saltsa guidelines, ergonomic assessments, and functional capacity evaluations. Female representation ranged from 12% to over 80%, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in some studies. All studies incorporated criteria to ensure population or exposure homogeneity. Although standardized methods are increasingly being used in MSD research, only a few studies integrate a gender-sensitive approach. This review underscores the need for personalized occupational health models that consider sex and gender differences, promoting equitable and effective fit-to-work assessments. Full article

Urban gardening, particularly through food-producing green spaces, is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for addressing the complex challenges of climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and social inequity in African cities. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 47 peer-reviewed studies across sub-Saharan Africa between 2000–2025 to analyze how urban home gardens, rooftop farms, and agroforestry systems contribute to sustainable urban development. The protocol follows PRISMA guidelines and focuses on (i) plant species selection for ecological resilience, (ii) integration of modern technologies in urban gardens, and (iii) socio-economic benefits to communities. The findings emphasize the ecological multifunctionality of urban gardens, which support services such as pollination, soil fertility, and microclimate regulation. Biodiversity services are shaped by both ecological and socio-economic factors, highlighting the importance of mechanisms such as polyculture, shared labour and management of urban gardens, pollinator activity and socio-economic status, reflected in sub-Saharan urban gardens. Socioeconomically, urban gardening plays a crucial role in enhancing household food security, income generation, and psychosocial resilience, particularly benefiting women and low-income communities. However, barriers exist, including insecure land tenure, water scarcity, weak technical support, and limited policy integration. Although technologies such as climate-smart practices and digital tools for irrigation are emerging, their adoption remains uneven. Research gaps include regional underrepresentation, a lack of longitudinal data, and limited focus on governance and gender dynamics. To unlock urban gardening’s full potential, future research and policy must adopt participatory, equity-driven approaches that bridge ecological knowledge with socio-political realities. Full article

(1) Background: Extended endocrine therapy (EET) beyond five years can reduce distant recurrence in early-stage hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Index (BCI) predicts recurrence risk and EET benefits, yet racial/ethnic differences in its results remain unexplored. This study evaluates such differences in a diverse early-stage HR+ breast cancer population. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed demographics, tumor characteristics and BCI scores of 159 women in Hawaii with early-stage HR+ breast cancer, self-identifying as Caucasian, Filipino, Japanese, Native Hawaiian, Other Asian/Pacific Islander, or Other. Tumor characteristics included size, grade, histology, lymph node/receptor status, Oncotype DX score, and laterality. Logistic regression used demographics and tumor features as predictor variables, with BCI’s benefit prediction and recurrence risk as outcome variables. (3) Results: Japanese and other Asian/Pacific Islander patients had significantly lower odds of high recurrence risk compared to Caucasian patients. Higher recurrence risk was associated with greater odds of predicted EET. Racial/ethnic differences in EET benefit prediction were not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: No racial/ethnic differences in EET benefit prediction suggest BCI’s applicability in racially and ethnically diverse populations. Findings among Japanese and other Asian/Pacific Islanders point to potential biological or socioeconomic variation. Limitations include sample size and underrepresentation of certain groups. Future studies should address these gaps and adjust for known risk factors to further clarify BCI’s racial and ethnic implications. Full article

Background: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis (SSc), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pose significant challenges during pregnancy and are associated with increased risks of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR), miscarriage, and preterm birth. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent evidence on pregnancy-related risks, preconception counseling, and therapeutic strategies for these conditions, with a particular focus on the importance of disease remission, pregnancy-compatible medications, and the selective use of biologics. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted through a comprehensive PubMed search (2020–2025). Eligible studies addressed maternal–fetal outcomes, therapeutic approaches, and predictive factors in pregnant individuals with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Results: Pregnancy outcomes have improved with early disease control and multidisciplinary care; however, major challenges persist. These include limited access to novel therapies, underrepresentation of diverse populations in clinical trials, and insufficient data on long-term neonatal outcomes. The strongest predictors of adverse outcomes remain disease activity at conception, specific autoantibody profiles, and systemic organ involvement. Conclusions: Optimal pregnancy outcomes for women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases require coordinated multidisciplinary care, the use of pregnancy-compatible medications, and achievement of prolonged disease remission prior to conception. Further research is needed to close existing knowledge gaps and ensure equitable, high-quality maternal–fetal care. Full article

Monuments and public sculptures embody collective memory, values, and identity. This study analyses the representation of women in public sculptures in Ibarra, Ecuador, and evaluates citizens’ recognition of the historical figures depicted. A mixed-method, cross-sectional design was employed. An urban inventory was conducted (N = 124 sculptures), and questionnaires were administered in situ to 1200 adult residents using non-probability intercept sampling (100 surveys at each of the 12 female monuments). The results reveal a marked disparity: 55.6% of the sculptures represent men, compared with only 9.7% representing women. Recognition is minimal: 98.6% of respondents did not identify the person represented, and 95.1% reported no knowledge of her history. These findings suggest that the underrepresentation of women in public art reflects enduring structural and cultural gender inequalities. The limited presence of female monuments contributes to the erasure of women’s legacy from collective memory and perpetuates the perception of public space as historically male-dominated. Framed within the literature on gender and monuments as devices of social memory, the study advocates for inclusive commemorative policies and interpretive strategies. Limitations include the non-random sampling and single-city scope; future research should expand comparisons across cities and assess potential interventions. Full article

The aim of this research is to provide a 25-year multi-model analysis of gender dynamics in economics articles that include at least one Romanian-affiliated author, published in Web of Science journals between 2000 and 2025 (2025 records current as of 15 May 2025). Drawing on 4030 papers, we map the bibliometric gender gap by examining first-author status, collaboration patterns, research topics and citation impact. The results show that the female-to-male first-author ratio for Romanian-affiliated publications is close to parity, in sharp contrast to the pronounced under-representation of women among foreign-affiliated first authors. Combining negative binomial, journal fixed-effects Poisson, quantile regressions with a text-based topic analysis, we find no systematic or robust gender penalty in citations once structural and topical factors are controlled for. The initial gender gap largely reflects men’s over-representation in higher-impact journals rather than an intrinsic bias against women’s work. Team size consistently emerges as the strongest predictor of citations, and, by extension, scientific visibility. Our findings offer valuable insights into gender dynamics in a semi-peripheral scientific system, highlighting the nuanced interplay between institutional context, research practices, legislation and academic recognition. Full article

Background: While Asian American individuals are well represented in medical schools in the United States, their advancement to senior positions within the field of orthopaedic surgery is disproportionately low. This underrepresentation not only limits diversity in leadership but also constrains the development of people-centred systems that reflect the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population. Objectives: This study systematically examines Asian American representation across the orthopaedic surgery professional pipeline, focusing on disparities between training-level representation and advancement into both faculty and leadership positions., and framing these gaps as a health equity concern. Methods: A comprehensive literature search for peer-reviewed original research articles was conducted via PubMed, EBSCO Open Research, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The potential articles were screened against prespecified eligibility criteria, and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data were then systematically extracted and analysed. Results: This analysis included 20 research articles investigating Asian American representation in orthopaedic surgery. The results demonstrated an underrepresentation of Asian Americans in orthopaedic leadership positions despite improvements in training programme representation with subspecialty clustering in adult reconstruction and spine. Asian American surgeons were less likely to occupy academic and leadership roles than their non-Asian American peers. Across studies, underrepresentation was consistently observed, with effect size estimates indicating a substantial disparity (e.g., pooled risk difference = 0.19; 95% CI [0.12, 0.28]) in those studies reporting comparative outcomes. Similarly, while Asian Americans in residency programmes increased, this growth did not translate proportionally to faculty advancement. In contrast, Asian women face compounded barriers, particularly in subspecialties like spine surgery. These inequities undermine workforce inclusivity and may reduce cultural and linguistic concordance with patients. Conclusions: Despite having strong representation in orthopaedic training programmes, Asian Americans are disproportionately absent from leadership positions. This poses a challenge to equity in surgical education and patient-centred care. To promote equity in leadership, focused mentorship, clear promotion processes, and institutional reform are necessary to address structural barriers to career advancement, this will reflect the diversity of both the workforce and populations served. Full article