Advancing Women in Chemistry: A Step Toward Gender Parity

• Published in: Journal of chemical information and modeling 2022-12, Vol.62 (24), p.6386-6397
• Main Authors: Tripathi, Neetu, Goshisht, Manoj Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atmospheric models; Chemical Information; Chemistry; Chemists; Decision making; Female; Gender; Gender aspects; Humans; Nobel prizes; Norms; Organizations; Prejudice; Publishing; Research Personnel; Scholarships & fellowships; Scientists; United States; Women
• ISSN: 1549-9596; 1549-960X
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00535

As chemistry progressed over the years, modern society witnessed the significant contribution of women chemists. However, the persisting gender imbalance in the scientific community, attributed to improper societal norms and several other reasons, is a matter of concern. The manuscript highlights some great women chemists, such as Nobel Prize awardees, who have created history through their outstanding research work and are role models for other women. Since women continue to encounter recurring obstacles to moving forward in their area, the “leaky pipeline” of women in chemical science remains problematic. Numerous factors, including having to shoulder the labor of childcare and household work and a lack of awareness of regulations and possibilities, contribute to prejudices and the gender gap in higher-level administrative and decision-making roles. To close the gender gap and empower women chemists, we highlight some initiatives (awards, fellowships, schemes, and grants) that have been put forth by governments, organizations, foundations, companies, industries, and publishing societies. As per statistics, only 4% of female scientists have been awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry until now. Only 35%, 22%, 14%, 26%, and 5% of women are serving as editors-in-chief, while 38%, 40%, 18%, 22%, and 21% are working as associate editors of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Wiley, Elsevier, and Springer journals, respectively. A further issue is that women receive far fewer honors in chemistry. To promote a more encouraging atmosphere for women scientists at all career phases, we listed some recommendations that research grant funders, academic institutions, publishers, and scientific organizations can follow. For gender parity, the paper sought to address the current situation of women in the chemical sciences. Women’s contributions to chemistry will promote innovation and progress in the field.