The L'Oréal Foundation's international survey delves into the barriers women encounter in science careers. It reveals that 67% of Europeans believe women lack the capabilities for high-level scientific positions. Just 10% of respondents affirm women's suitability for science, citing perceived deficits in perseverance, logical thinking, practical thinking, sharpness, scientific thinking, and analytical thinking.
When prompted to name notable scientists irrespective of gender, 71% recalled a man and 33% a woman—Marie Curie being the only one mentioned in France. Respondents recognize societal hurdles: 49% point to cultural factors, 43% to men, and 40% to management. Notably, 59% feel women's representation in science is advancing too slowly, rising from 26% in 2000 to 29% in 2010. With women earning only 3% of scientific Nobel Prizes, 63% call for a 50/50 split.
