COVID-19 and gender inequalities: the effects of the pandemic on female researchers

Abstract

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a differential gender impact, placing women at a disadvantage with an increase in their vulnerability that reaches all aspects of society, including science. Women are especially vulnerable in pandemics, worsening their health, finances and rights. Objectives. The main objective of this article is to understand the impact on the productivity that the pandemic has had on female researchers. Methodology. The analysis consisted of a bibliographic review of articles mainly related to the issues of scientific productivity and the gender impact that the pandemic has had on the researchers' output. Results. The analysis of bibliographic sources reveals that female researchers and their productivity have been affected by the pandemic because they have been publishing less, especially in key positions of authorship for career progression and shrinking the total hours dedicated to research. This effect is especially pronounced in those who have children. Discussion and Conclusions. The pandemic has worsened previously existing situations of inequality. In this sense, much of the scientific production has placed the burden of care as one of the main reasons that amplified the inequalities between research personnel and their academic production. It is key that action is taken to minimize the damage to the careers of female researchers and that men are included in the discussion on the redistribution of care responsibilities.