Gender disparities in scientific output in the Andean Community: a comparative bibliometric analysis (2020-2024)

Mosquera V.J.M.; Gavilanes M.E.O.; Cornejo M.A.N.; Echegaray L.A.R.; Johnson G.L.L. · Iberoamerican Journal of Science Measurement and Communication (2025) · DOI: 10.47909/ijsmc.284

Resumen

Objective. This study examined gender disparities in scientific output among the Andean Community countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) from 2020 to 2024. It examined publication and collaboration patterns, as well as impact indicators, to identify regional trends and differences between countries. Design/Methodology/Approach. A quantitative bibliometric analysis was performed using data from Scopus, which included 194,768 publications from the four Andean countries. The methodology employed encompassed the use of advanced bibliometric indicators, collaboration network analysis, and time trend analysis. The gender identification process involved the implementation of automated algorithms, which were subsequently validated through manual verification. The statistical analyses encompassed descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA, and regression modeling to determine predictors of gender equity. Results/Discussion. The findings indicated substantial disparities in gender equity among the Andean countries, with Colombia exhibiting the highest percentage of first authors at 41.2% in 2024, while Bolivia demonstrated the lowest participation at 34.3%. A uniform progression was observed from 2020 to 2024 across all nations, with an average augmentation of 4.6 percentage points. The health and social sciences disciplines exhibited greater equity, whereas engineering and physics demonstrated the most significant disparities. Intra-Andean collaborations exhibited a female participation rate of 42.3%, which surpassed that of collaborations involving other Latin American countries. Conclusions. Notwithstanding the advances that have been made, substantial gender disparities persist in Andean scientific output. Intra-regional scientific collaboration has been identified as a potential catalyst for accelerating progress toward achieving gender equality. Originality/Value. This study is notable for its pioneering application of bibliometric analysis to the study of gender disparities in the Andean Community. It offers empirical evidence for the development of regional gender equity policies in science and establishes a baseline for tracking future progress toward gender equality in Andean scientific research.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad César Vallejo