Quantitative datasets reveal marked gender disparities in Earth Sciences faculty rank in Africa

• Published in: Journal of African earth sciences (1994) 2023-01, Vol.197, p.104768, Article 104768
• Main Authors: Mosuro, Ganiyu Omotola, Omosanya, Kamaldeen O., Lawal, Muhedeen Ajibola, Oussou, Ahmed, Oshomoji, Adeoye Olugbemi, Neh Fru, Immaculate Mary, Ratshiedana, Phathutshedzo Eugene, Ndukwe, Otobong Sunday, Rapholo, Maropene Tebello Dinah, Eruteya, Ovie Emmanuel, Alao-Daniel, Adedamola Beatrice, Mohammedyasin, Seid, Ajilore, Oluwatoyin, Abdulmalik, Nana Fatima, Ben Fredj, Soumaya, Akinlalu, A.A., Lawal, Hammed A., Aturamu, Adeyinka Oluyemi, Waswa, Aaron K., Oyeyemi, Kehinde D., Tahri, Ali Aboul Hacene, Ibrahim, Yahaya Zayyana, Mituku, Shambel, Yaro, Usman Yahaya, Ozigis, Mohammed S., Ibrahim, Sa'ad, Isah, Hamisu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Africa; Earth sciences; Faculty position; Gender-disparity; Ranks; STEMM
• ISSN: 1464-343X; 1879-1956
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2022.104768

As in most disciplines of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), gender disparity is prevalent in the ranking of Earth Sciences faculties at senior and advanced levels. (i.e., Associate and Full Professors). In this study, a robust database was mined, created, and analyzed to assess the faculty compositions of 142 Earth Science departments in 39 countries across Africa. The data were collected from verifiable online resources focusing on ranks and gender ratios within each department. The studied earth science departments cut across universities in northern, southern, central, eastern, and western Africa. Our data revealed that female faculty members are predominantly underrepresented in most of the departments documented and are markedly uncommon in senior positions such as Professors, associate Professors, and senior researchers compared to their male counterparts. On the contrary, female faculty members are predominant in the lower cadres, such as lecturers, teaching, and graduate assistants. The observed male to female ratio is 4:1. At the base of this gender gap is the lower enrolment of female students in Earth Science courses from undergraudate to graduate studies. To achieve gender equality in Earth Science faculty composition in Africa, we recommend increasing female students' enrollment, mentoring, awareness, timely promotion of accomplished female researchers, and formulation of enabling government policies. More work-related policies that guarantee work-life balance for female earth science academic professionals should be formulated to attract and retain more women into Earth Sciences careers. •A marked disparity in gender ratio across the investigated Earth Sciences department is observed.•Estimated ratio of male to female Earth Science faculty members on the average is 4:1.•Women are far less present in top academic ranks such as Professors and Associate Associates.•Most female faculty members are PhDs and Researchers with teaching responsibilities.