Policy, Initiative, and Research Recommendations on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Engineering. CAL-Matilda Research Committee’s Contribution (#675)
Read ArticleDate of Conference
July 17-19, 2024
Published In
"Sustainable Engineering for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future at the Service of Education, Research, and Industry for a Society 5.0."
Location of Conference
Costa Rica
Authors
Garcia De Cajen. PhD, Silvia Beatriz
Contreras-Ortiz. PhD, Sonia H.
Montoya-Noguera. PhD, Silvana
Merchán-Rubiano. Mg., Sandra M.
Pascal. Mg., Guadalupe
Abstract
The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region faces a significant challenge in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 within the engineering field due to the persistent and pronounced gender gap. Closing this gap requires the implementation of policies and programs that comprehensively, systematically, and sustainably address its underlying causes supported by robust research. This paper aims to identify key findings from a hermeneutic review of 364 documents concerning gender policies, initiatives, and studies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Engineering in the region. The goal is to formulate recommendations for developing public and educational policies, initiatives, and new evidence related to the gender perspective in engineering. The recommendations emphasize the need to create regionally focused programs and public policies, establish institutional systems that strengthen female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and address the social and structural roots of the gender gap. The analysis highlights the importance of integrating a gender perspective into engineering education from early childhood and throughout the entire educational trajectory, as well as the need to strengthen regional alliances to tackle gender disparities in LAC. Additionally, it advocates for the development of qualitative and quantitative research programs that generate evidence for formulating public policies, initiatives, and educational strategies focused on DEI. In conclusion, while significant challenges remain in achieving SDG 5 in the region, there is a substantial knowledge base that can guide progress towards a more equitable future in engineering.