Interpretive Summary: Gender dynamics in Animal Science: progress, pitfalls, and pathways forward

By: Paola Crepaldi, Lucia Bailoni, Anna Sandrucci

• Despite progress, gender disparities persist in higher education and academia. This paper summarizes key findings on gender imbalance in the field of Animal Science in Italy and outlines strategies for improvement.
• Although women are well represented in undergraduate and graduate programs, their numbers decline at the doctoral level and are notably low in senior academic roles.
• Gender representation varies across animal science disciplines, with greater disparities in more technically oriented areas. Women are also underrepresented in authorship and leadership roles within faculties and scientific associations.
• Barriers, such as the “glass ceiling,” “leaky pipeline,” and “sticky floors”, continue to limit women’s career progression.
• Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms in evaluation criteria, mentorship programs, work-life balance policies, and institutional accountability. Regular monitoring and publishing of gender-disaggregated data is crucial for tracking progress. True change will require joint efforts from universities, research institutions, and scientific associations.

Introduction

Gender equality is one of the 17 core objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015 by all 193 United Nations member states. As stated in SDG 5—Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls—“Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.”

According to the United Nations SDG 2023 Report, the world is unlikely to meet the target of gender equality by 2030 (Figure 1; United Nations, 2023). Significant delays remain in key areas such as ending child marriage, ensuring legal protection, increasing women’s political representation, and promoting female leadership. Achieving this goal requires proactive efforts to recognize and strengthen women’s skills and to ensure equal opportunities for leadership and participation in decision-making processes at all levels.

Read the full article in Animal Frontiers: Animal Science for All.