Quantitative datasets reveal marked gender disparities in Earth Sciences faculty rank in Africa

Ganiyu Omotola Mosuro, Kamaldeen O. Omosanya, Muhedeen Ajibola Lawal, Ahmed Oussou, Adeoye Olugbemi Oshomoji, Immaculate Mary Neh Fru, Phathutshedzo Eugene Ratshiedana, Otobong Sunday Ndukwe, Maropene Tebello Dinah Rapholo, Ovie Emmanuel Eruteya, Adedamola Beatrice Alao-Daniel, Seid Mohammedyasin, Oluwatoyin Ajilore, Nana Fatima Abdulmalik, Soumaya Ben Fredj, A. A. Akinlalu, Hammed A. Lawal, Adeyinka Oluyemi Aturamu, Aaron K. Waswa, Kehinde D. OyeyemiAli Aboul Hacene Tahri, Yahaya Zayyana Ibrahim, Shambel Mituku, Usman Yahaya Yaro, Mohammed S. Ozigis, Sa'ad Ibrahim, Hamisu Isah

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

As in most disciplines of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), gender disparity is prevalent in the ranking of Earth Sciences faculties at senior and advanced levels. (i.e., Associate and Full Professors). In this study, a robust database was mined, created, and analyzed to assess the faculty compositions of 142 Earth Science departments in 39 countries across Africa. The data were collected from verifiable online resources focusing on ranks and gender ratios within each department. The studied earth science departments cut across universities in northern, southern, central, eastern, and western Africa. Our data revealed that female faculty members are predominantly underrepresented in most of the departments documented and are markedly uncommon in senior positions such as Professors, associate Professors, and senior researchers compared to their male counterparts. On the contrary, female faculty members are predominant in the lower cadres, such as lecturers, teaching, and graduate assistants. The observed male to female ratio is 4:1. At the base of this gender gap is the lower enrolment of female students in Earth Science courses from undergraudate to graduate studies. To achieve gender equality in Earth Science faculty composition in Africa, we recommend increasing female students' enrollment, mentoring, awareness, timely promotion of accomplished female researchers, and formulation of enabling government policies. More work-related policies that guarantee work-life balance for female earth science academic professionals should be formulated to attract and retain more women into Earth Sciences careers.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104768
JournalJournal of African Earth Sciences
Volume197
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Africa
  • Earth sciences
  • Faculty position
  • Gender-disparity
  • Ranks
  • STEMM

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geology
  • Earth-Surface Processes

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