Commissioned by the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program, the report titled “The Award Effect: Visibility as a Cure for Disappearance” finds that inequality in Polish academia stems not from a lack of competence, but from institutional mechanisms that marginalize women over time.
The study shows 36% of female researchers report experiencing gender-based discrimination, compared to just 9% of men. Half of the women surveyed said they had witnessed breaches of gender equality at work.
Common complaints included unequal pay, limited promotion opportunities, heavier teaching and administrative loads, and the downplaying of women’s academic titles and accomplishments. While 51% of female researchers said they feel pressured to take on extra duties to prove their worth, only 31% of men reported similar feelings.
The report also highlights how these disparities worsen with career progression. While women hold over half of all doctoral degrees, they make up only 28% of professors—and just under 20% in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields.
Self-doubt plays a role as well. According to 2022 data from Poland’s National Science Center, 59% of female researchers lack confidence in their grant applications, compared to 37% of men.
Differences also emerge in how researchers present their work. Women cite their own publications 37% less often than men and use 12% fewer positive descriptors in research summaries. They are also less active on platforms like X, reducing their academic visibility.
Though men and women express similar interest in leading research projects, men are more likely to have such experience. Women are less likely to pursue leadership roles, citing low self-confidence and family burdens, while men cite administrative overload.
“Differences in self-presentation and self-assessment are not about personal choice but are shaped by systems that have long favored certain communication styles,” said co-author Magdalena Żadkowska.
Since 2001, the L’Oréal-UNESCO program in Poland has honored 137 women scientists. Applications for the next edition remain open through March 12.
To mark the February 11 observance, events include a Warsaw meeting titled “Researchers, Science Communicators and Leaders–Women in STEM,” and the fifth Brave Women in Science conference on February 13 in Kraków.
(jh)
Source: PAP