The study of gender equality in information sciences research institutions in Lithuania

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to define the problem and to present the gender equality gaps existing in Information Sciences and Technology (IST) research institutions in Lithuania and to deeply analyze the problem in case study. The paper presents some research results of the ongoing H2020-EU.5.b. project EQUAL-IST Gender Equality Plans for Information Sciences and Technology Research Institutions (2016–2019). We analyzed the works of different authors and selected the factors that limit successful scientific carrier in the IST research: gender stereotypes in labor market, unconscious bias among managers, work- life balance, women’s confidence and aspirations. In paper we provide evidence of findings by statistical data of Lithuania. Among all the countries, Lithuania has a gear average of young people looking for a career in computing or engineering, but women are paid less salary; IST economics sector and research of Lithuania needs talented qualified women and men. We analyze students’ gender equality context in Informatics Faculty KTU: amounts of students, degrees of graduates, correlation with study programs. Also we provide results of analysis of staff structure, gender distribution, wages.