The progress of women in science has been much slower and uncertain than the achievement of equal rights between
the sexes. Women are on their way to becoming the majority among students, but still in the minority in the scientific
area, according to UNESCO only 30% of scientists are female, and this number is even lower in leadership positions in
science; in Latin America only 18% of deans are women. The reasons are numerous, from cultural issues, family
responsibilities, substantial degree of discrimination against women - more than enough to suppress the progress of
women in many professions, and others. Diversity is important and necessary in the academic field, as it provides a
substantially wider point of view, with more sensitivity and respect for different perspectives. Policies to encourage the
participation of women in leadership positions are necessary, because when more women occupy strategic and
decision-making positions, the greater will be the representation in the area. As well as increasing diversity in scientific
recruitment committees and strategies to help with the professor’s family commitments, such as payment for day care
centers and maternity leave for the fellows, are also actions that help to avoid the evasion of these women from the
scientific environme
