The purpose of this survey is to evaluate how scientists and engineers across several regions in the world perceive “gender barriers” experienced by women in STEM. The term “gender barriers” is used in this study to describe hurdles and obstacles women in STEM experience in their educational and professional lives because of their biological and social identity as women. This forms part of the KWSE-INWES Gender perceptions In Science and Engineering project.


Please take time to answer each and every question as truthfully as possible. There are no right or wrong answers. Please respond based on your experiences and thoughts. Your response and those of approximately 1,200 other scientists and engineers from over 10 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe will be used to draw out policy agendas to expand women’s participation in STEM, as well as to promote regional and national development in STEM. We estimate the questionnaire takes a maximum of 30-40 minutes to complete.

Your answers will be used only for analytical purposes. All data gathered will be published in combined form. This survey is anonymous and any personal information will be kept strictly confidential. Please see: Data Protection and Confidentiality (http://inwes.org/gise_DP_Confidentality)

This survey is for respondents who are
➤ of any gender* (male or female or other);
➤ currently residing/working in India, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Korea, Tunisia, or the European Union;
➤ in the STEM specialisms of the biological sciences, or civil or mechanical engineering, or the computing/digital sciences (studied or currently);
➤ and of working age (including currently studying for a postgraduate degree, or not currently working).
➤ UPDATE: From September 2021 we welcome responses from other countries and other STEM areas. Reporting will focus on the 3 areas and the above regions, but all data will be included in general analysis.
Please do NOT participate if you have yet to start a first university level degree, are an undergraduate student, or are retired. More explanations of the STEM specialisms and other terms (indicated with a black*) can be found in Glossary and Detailed Explanations (http://inwes.org/gise_glossary). NB. If you are not sure if your specialism is included, feel free to submit a response but please explain your specialism in detail in the comments section 'Any other comments on Section A?'; although your response might not be used for this pilot, it may be used in a future study.

All respondents, will be required to answer sections A, B, E, F, G, H. Those who identify as women or more closely female will be asked to reply to Section C. Those who identify as men will be asked to reply to Section D. Those who have defined themselves as “other” gender will be asked to attempt to identify whether they need to respond to either C or D according to the best approximation to their personal circumstances or lived experiences.

This survey is part of the 2021 INWES-KWSE Gender perceptions In Science and Engineering (GISE) project; for more information on the project, please refer to www.inwes.org/project_gise. In case of questions and queries on this questionnaire, email the Project Manager Dr Sarah Peers sarah.peers@inwes.org. In case of complaints or more general questions about the project, email info@inwes.org.

We deeply appreciate your cooperation!