The disconnection between reality and discourse. Why resources are important to tackle gender inequality in research organizations?

Abstract

Introduction: This article serves as an introductory exploration of the significance of funding for gender equality. It delves into the relationship, emphasizing how progress on gender equality is questionable without adequate resources. Adopting a dual geographical approach, it provides an introductory overview of the global situation before narrowing its focus to the experience of the European Union. Given its core commitment to gender equality, the article analyzes the gap between commitments and data regarding gender equality investment. Special attention is given to the research sphere. Objectives: To establish, through existing literature, a clear relationship between gender equality and resource investment. : The article ambitions to lay the groundwork for a research line examining funding and gender equality within research funding.  Methods: The authors conducted a detailed Scopus review of the literature using keywords such as funding, gender equality, women’s rights, research funding, gender budgeting, and European Union. Initially, 34 articles were identified after applying two criteria to the results. Backward citation was employed to further expand the literature. Due to limitations in academic results, consultation and review of multiple grey literature sources were necessary. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, an interdisciplinary perspective of analysis was required. Contribution: The literature reveals a noticeable gap between commitments to gender equality and the tangible allocation of resources. Additionally, it highlights the inadequacy of tools to track investment in gender equality, particularly evident in the European research sphere. These insights emphasize the significance of launching a research agenda that prioritizes advocacy for resources in research and academia, positioning it as a fundamental activity within women’s academic activist networks.