Representação das mulheres nos cursos de engenharia ambiental e engenharia ambiental e sanitária da UTFPR

Abstract

This study analyses female representation in Environmental Engineering and Environmental and Sanitary Engineering courses at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR), considering the Campo Mourão, Curitiba, Francisco Beltrão, Londrina, and Medianeira campuses where these courses are offered. The research adopts a qualitative-quantitative approach, based on a literature review and descriptive statistical analysis of institutional data obtained from the Academic System, covering the period from 2007/2 to 2025/1. The data were organized by gender and analysed according to indicators of retention, dropout, academic performance coefficient, age, number of graduates, and average course completion time. The results demonstrate that enrolment shows a balanced distribution between genders, with overall averages of 49.5% women and 50.5% men, highlighting progress in female access to engineering. However, women stand out in academic retention, presenting a higher average grade point average (0.59) compared to men (0.55), except for the Campo Mourão campus. Furthermore, the data also revealed that women completed their courses in less time, with an average of 5.90 years, while men averaged 6.02 years, demonstrating regularity and adherence to the ideal completion time. Regarding dropout rates, the data suggest that female dropout rates do not exceed male dropout rates, reinforcing that, after enrolment, students tend to remain and complete their courses with greater consistency. The discussion relates these results to the principles of the Beijing Platform for Action and Sustainable Development Goal 5 of the UN's 2030 Agenda, highlighting the importance of public and institutional policies aimed at promoting equal opportunities, addressing gender stereotypes, and guaranteeing effective conditions for student retention. It is concluded that the presence of women in the Environmental Engineering and Environmental and Sanitary Engineering courses at UTFPR represents a significant advance in terms of inclusive educational and social development, but that the consolidation of gender equality and equity depends on the continuity of affirmative action, the strengthening of inclusive university environments, and the valuing of women's academic trajectories, ensuring that the increase in enrolment also results in support and equitable opportunities.