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More women in development research

22-11-22

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark encourages female researchers to apply for Danida’s development research grants

Gender equality and the rights of women and girls are a cross-cutting priority in Danish development cooperation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all and diversity in all its aspects. This includes supporting a better gender balance among project coordinators of Danida-funded research projects, as well as in the composition of the executing research teams. 

Of the ongoing research projects funded by Danida, female researchers currently lead 35 projects, while male researchers lead 74 projects. This substantial imbalance, however, is not unique to Danida-supported research projects, but a trend across research disciplines. According to the EU commission’s SHE report in 2021, the proportion of women in research in DK was 35.8% in 2018 across the board. Note 1)

Yet, in recent years, changes can be detected for the Danida-supported projects. The latest annual application round indicates a move towards more diversity, at least when it comes to the gender of the lead researcher. 

In 2021, of the 144 applications received, 38 were submitted by a female project coordinator and 106 by a male project coordinator. In total, 24 applications were selected for a Danida research grant, and of these 10 had a female project lead, and 14 had a male project lead. This shows a significant success rate among female applicants.

The current call for applications 2023 introduces the possibility of including a scientific co-coordinator in research projects. By providing this opportunity, the Ministry aims to support and encourage diverse research team compositions.

Note 1) She figures 2021 – Publication Office of the EU

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