Participation, experiences, and challenges faced by women researchers in Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the participation, experiences and challenges faced by female researchers belonging to the National System of Researchers (SNI) of the Political Sciences and International Relations School of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL). In order to collect the information, a review of the scientific literature and historical data from Conahcyt was carried out, and an electronic questionnaire was also applied to female researchers who are currently included in the SNI registration.  It was identified that the number of researchers belonging to the National System of Researchers (SNI) 1140 are from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) which represent the 3% of the total. From the total universe of researchers subscribe to SNI from de UANL 38% are women. Regarding the Political Science School there are 11 researchers and only the 18% are women. The majority of Mexican women with Philosophy doctorates focused in social sciences hold long working hours developing two extra activities within the same institution. In conclusion, all the participants perceived some challenges at a personal and institutional level, on the one hand, "being a researcher" and on the other hand, the role of the family. Which may be one of the reasons why the average of 38% participation of women in research continues to be maintained.