Infectious disease research and the gender gap

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Infectious Diseases Research
• Gender Studies in Science

Background:

• Historically, women face underrepresentation in higher degree programs and hold fewer senior positions in scientific fields.
• The UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) has over 40 years of experience in research and capacity building.
• TDR has a track record of supporting research on gender-specific issues and strengthening the capacity of women scientists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review TDR's gender research and capacity-building initiatives.
• To describe a pilot program focused on understanding and addressing gender gaps in health research.
• To encourage the replication of such programs globally to improve women's participation in infectious disease research.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing gender research and capacity-building efforts within TDR.
• Description of a pilot "Women in Science" program implemented in Africa.
• Analysis of approaches to identify and remedy gender disparities in health research.

Main Results:

• TDR has actively supported research on gender-specific questions in tropical diseases.
• A pilot program provided insights into gender gaps within health research in Africa.
• The program highlighted the need for targeted interventions to support women in science.

Conclusions:

• TDR has a longstanding commitment to gender equity in research and capacity building.
• The pilot program demonstrated the potential for targeted interventions to address gender gaps.
• Replication of these initiatives by TDR and other agencies can promote greater inclusion of women in infectious disease research worldwide.