Exploring Gender Inequality and Practical Solutions for an Equitable Environment for Women in Scientific Vocations

Despite progress towards gender equality in science and education, women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles, and unconscious bias in recruitment and promotion processes remains a persistent challenge. Systems thinking provides a helpful framework for identifying the complex causes of gender inequality and developing realistic strategies and solutions. The dynamic hypothesis of gender inequality proposes the existence of four feedback loops, each with four cycles of reinforcement, that contribute to structural inequality between men and women in science. To effectively address gender inequality, a multifaceted approach is needed that targets the various feedback loops reinforcing gender disparities and addresses the structural factors that shape social inequalities. This could include combating unconscious bias, reducing gender-based stereotypes, and increasing access to resources. Continued efforts toward gender equality and equality of oppor-tunity are crucial for creating a more equitable and inclusive scientific community. By applying systems thinking and taking a comprehensive approach to address gender inequality, we can progress towards a more just and equitable society.