Cuban women in science: A rising force but what’s behind the growth?

Data from the National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI) confirmed that approximately 51,000 women are engaged in scientific and technological pursuits within Cuba in 2023.

This notable figure, as detailed in the most recent edition of the ONEI yearbook, encompasses a range of roles including managers, technicians, administrative staff, operators, and service workers. The report by local news portal GRANMA stated that specifically, it was reported that 50,633 women contributed to these sectors, marking a significant increase in the last three years.

ONEI highlighted that this number signifies exponential growth compared to previous years. In 2020, the count of women active in science and technology stood at 49,958, which then declined to 42,623 in 2021, before slightly rising to 48,088 in 2022. The upward trend observed in 2023 reaffirms the commitment towards enhancing female participation in these critical areas.

The total workforce engaged in scientific and technological positions in the current year reached 91,130 individuals, with the majority holding higher education qualifications. Among these professionals, a considerable number are classified as researchers, especially within the realms of academia, technology, and technical operations.

During this period, investments made towards advancing these sectors totalled 6,939,000 pesos, primarily allocated for research and development initiatives, as well as for fostering innovation through various projects. Moreover, the Cuban Industrial Property Office noted the submission and granting of 55 innovation patents, comprising 17 national patents and 38 originating from foreign entities.

The annual report issued by the National Statistics and Information Office also provided insights into serial publications related to science and technology, the registration of industrial designs, and the categorisation of invention patents by respective countries, as well as the associated science, technology, and innovation institutions. This comprehensive overview emphasises the growing involvement of Cuban women in the scientific and technological workforce, signalling an encouraging trend towards gender parity in these vital economic sectors.