Mulheres na engenharia e o impacto social na decisão da trajetória profissional

Abstract

Given that gender inequality still prevails strongly in society, it is of utmost relevance to seek effective methods for female inclusion in universities and the labor market. The World Health Organization developed the 2030 Agenda with sustainable development goals, among which is ODS 5, which aims to eradicate gender-based discrimination and highlights the importance of female participation in politics, the economy, and public life. This study aims to analyze female participation in engineering courses, understanding which factors attract women to the field and the reasons behind the reduced female presence in STEM areas. To deepen the study, a questionnaire was applied at the Federal University of Paraná, Ponta Grossa Campus, directed to students of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Production Engineering, with the aim of understanding the most common interests, challenges faced, academic experiences, and professional expectations. Based on the theoretical framework and the applied research with 28 undergraduate students, it was possible to identify organizational practices that promote equality and the benefits of fostering gender diversity. According to the results obtained, it becomes evident that there are several structural obstacles to overcome and many actions to be taken to ensure gender equity, in addition to the relevance of promoting institutional initiatives as an incentive for STEM fields.