The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has just published the report “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Southern-led research network to advance gender equality in STEM”, which brings together learnings, impacts, and recommendations from a global network of projects led from the Global South to promote gender equity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The publication highlights the importance of context-sensitive, evidence-based, and locally-led initiatives as key strategies to transform the scientific landscape. ELLAS is proudly cited as one of these reference experiences.
“Current data collection efforts go beyond simply gathering statistics; projects like the ELLAS Network are building institutionalized systems that enable universities and research institutions to continuously monitor progress. These gender-disaggregated data provide the foundation for evidence-based policy development that directly addresses gender inequalities,” the report states.
With an investment of CAD$15 million, the Breaking Barriers Network supports projects in various regions of Latin America and Africa, emphasizing participatory approaches, the integration of gender analysis in research, and the linkage between research and policy-making. The report emphasizes that lasting change requires joint efforts from universities, governments, communities, and social movements.
Bibliographic Reference:
International Development Research Centre. (2025). Breaking barriers, building bridges: A Southern-led research network to advance gender equality in STEM. https://www.breakingbarriersnetwork.com