Representação das mulheres no curso de engenharia civil

Abstract

Civil engineering, historically dominated by a male audience, has witnessed changes in its composition over recent decades, with a growing interest and involvement of women in this field. However, female presence still faces challenges, both in the academic environment and in the job market, largely due to gender stereotypes and the traditionally male structure of the area. In this context, it is essential to understand the dynamics that influence women's entry, retention, and dropout in civil engineering programs, as well as the obstacles they encounter throughout their education. This study aims to analyze the female representation in the civil engineering course at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR), Campo Mourão campus, addressing patterns of admission, retention, dropout, and the challenges female students face during their training. The research was conducted by analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, focusing on the evolution of female participation, the difficulties reported by students, and the academic and professional support policies in place. The results indicate a gradual increase in female presence, with a rise in the number of graduates, but also reveal the persistence of structural and cultural barriers that hinder women's insertion and retention in the field. Among the main challenges identified are the lack of female representation in technical subjects, student prejudice, the overload of academic tasks, and the difficulty of balancing family responsibilities. The research emphasizes the need for concrete actions to create a more inclusive and equitable environment through institutional policies that promote gender equity and ensure the necessary support for women to fully develop, both in academia and the labor market.