Women in Chemistry

Gender inequalities are present across all societies, and their complex and interconnected nature is also reflected in the field of chemistry. As a cross-cutting discipline, chemistry underpins almost all areas of human activity and plays a crucial role in the transition towards sustainable development. However, this transformation cannot succeed if structural inequalities remain unaddressed.

As part of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), chemistry is still widely perceived as a field more suited to boys and men. Although many girls show a strong interest in STEM subjects at an early age, this interest often declines during secondary and higher education. The persistent masculine image of chemistry contributes to ongoing discrimination and discourages many girls and women from entering or remaining in the field. As a result, women continue to be underrepresented, and chemistry remains a predominantly male-dominated discipline.

Research, including studies by the Royal Society of Chemistry, has identified key barriers to women’s careers in the chemical sciences. These include structural challenges in academic funding systems, aspects of academic culture, and the difficulty of balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Such barriers not only limit equal opportunities but also hinder innovation, as women’s experiences, expertise, and perspectives are often underrecognized. In addition, women-led businesses and start-ups frequently face reduced access to funding and support.

An intersectional perspective is essential to fully understand these inequalities. Experiences in chemistry are shaped not only by gender, but also by the interaction of multiple social categories, including ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and disability. These intersecting identities can amplify barriers, meaning that some groups face compounded disadvantages in accessing education, progressing in careers, and achieving leadership roles within chemistry and related fields.

Promoting the involvement and empowerment of women and girls in chemistry and chemicals management is therefore essential. These fields urgently need diverse perspectives and new ideas to drive innovation – and especially many young women are motivated to drive the transformation toward sustainable chemistry. Engaging and supporting women and girls, can unlock significant potential for transformative change and should be a key priority in programmes, projects, and initiatives.