Women On The Podium: Reflecting Gender Equality At The Brazilian Chemistry Olympics

Abstract

Understanding the importance of ensuring, in the scientific field, equality of opportunities for all, we propose this study aiming to reflect the number of medalist girls over the years in the International Chemistry Olympiad, Brazilian Chemistry Olympiad, Brazilian Junior Chemistry Olympiad and North/Northeast Chemistry Olympiad, as well as to point out the relevance of the Women’s Chemistry Olympiad (Quimeninas) as a path for the insertion of women in science. In view of the data obtained, we understand that, historically, the number of girls awarded in all the competitions mentioned has been lower than that of boys, a fact that highlights the need for public policies that encourage female participation and interest in science. In this scenario, we recognize the Quimeninas Olympiad as an important movement for the promotion of gender equality in the scientific context, promoting the active involvement of girls and women in the construction of chemical knowledge and in overcoming stereotypes that regulate the image of scientists and materialize exclusions. We conclude that, although relevant and necessary, the strengthening of Quimeninas should occur in association with other actions that encourage the participation of the female public in other competitions, given the need to guarantee all audiences the same projection and opportunities in the competitive scenario.