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The Turkish Republic and Women in the STEM Fields: A Sociological Analysis of Women’s Changing Ratios and Experiences in STEM Fields During the Last 30 Years

Welcome to Women in STEM Studies! This platform is dedicated to a research project that explores and makes visible the experiences and achievements of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Taking into account the 100-year history of the Republic of Turkey, we examine the numerical data, experiences, and identity changes of women in STEM over the past 30 years.

Our research aims to create a sociological transformation map by collecting the family, education, and professional experiences of women from different age groups and disciplines working in STEM fields. While aiming to understand and analyze women’s experiences in STEM, we seek to provide a scientific basis for policy recommendations aimed at increasing women’s participation.

Our project aims to raise awareness of gender equality by offering a comprehensive historical analysis of women in STEM. The Women in STEM in Turkey Study aims to inform and inspire by disseminating and supporting knowledge on this important topic.

The Turkish Republic and Women in the STEM Fields: A Sociological Analysis of Women’s Changing Ratios and Experiences in STEM Fields During the Last 30 Years

The project aims to examine the condition of women in STEM fields in Turkey, focusing on the transformations in their numbers and experiences over the last 30 years, including the challenges they face and their achievements. Specifically, the research will:

Collect qualitative data on the family, education, and professional experiences of women from both the private sector and academia in STEM, mapped across ten-year periods. This will enable an analysis of transformations from a gender equality perspective over a 30-year timeline.
Establish and organize current, clear categories to create comprehensive quantitative data regarding women in STEM fields.

This research aims to understand and analyze the experiences of women in STEM fields while also providing a scientific basis for future policy recommendations aimed at increasing women’s participation.

This project is original as it represents the first study to collect both quantitative and qualitative data on women in STEM across a long historical period and a broad geographical scale. It will uniquely analyze the transformations during this time. The project aligns with the objectives of the call, focusing on STEM fields where, as a result of Republican ideology, women have achieved higher ratios compared to the West, while also examining the last 30 years of the Republic’s history through this lens.

Who can participate in the research?

Women who work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and have received education in these areas—whether in industry or academia (as faculty members)—can participate in the research. These women may be working in various disciplines such as engineering, computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, environmental sciences, electrical and electronics engineering, or civil engineering. They may also have varying lengths of work experience. In this context, the research aims to conduct an in-depth examination of women’s experiences in STEM fields, the challenges they face in their professional lives, their achievements, and the gender-based barriers they encounter throughout this process.

How Can You Participate in the Research?

To participate in the research, you must first be a woman who works in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and has received education in these areas. To express your interest in participating, you should contact the researchers through the specified communication channels. The relevant researchers will inform you about the participation process and explain the conditions for participation. At this stage, you may be asked to fill out an information form to obtain participants’ consent. After participating in the research, you will need to take part in an interview to share your experiences and opinions. The information you provide will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes.