The Impact of Gender-Sensitive Career Counselling on the Self-Perception of Brazilian Women in STEM

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Impact of Gender-Sensitive Career Counselling on the Self-Perception of Brazilian Women in STEM
Language: English
Authors: Letícia Barbosa-Silva (ORCID 0000-0002-1742-9618), Ligia Carolina Oliveira-Silva (ORCID 0000-0002-7487-9420), Gosia Mikolajczak (ORCID 0000-0002-7386-4155), Michelle K. Ryan (ORCID 0000-0003-1091-9275), Olívia P. P. Miziara (ORCID 0000-0002-5413-9484)
Source: Gender and Education. 2026 38(2):180-198.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Career Counseling, Occupational Aspiration, Barriers, Coping, Self Efficacy, Gender Issues, Gender Bias, Intervention, Foreign Countries, Females, STEM Careers, College Students, STEM Education
Geographic Terms: Brazil
DOI: 10.1080/09540253.2025.2568394
ISSN: 0954-0253
1360-0516
Abstract: This study analysed the impact of gender-sensitive career counselling on self-efficacy, career aspirations, career barriers, and coping among Brazilian women in STEM. In Brazil, career trajectories are shaped by structural barriers and limited opportunities, such as weak industrial infrastructure, scarce quality jobs and persistent gender, race, and class inequalities. We adopted a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, and the intervention was co-designed with participants. Participants reported higher occupational self-efficacy and coping with barriers. While there was no significant change in aspirations or perception of barriers, interviews suggest a shift in how barriers are understood. We discussed the limitations of individual counselling in unequal contexts and indicated implications for Latin American women in STEM and counselling professionals. Considering most research regarding women in STEM comes from Global North, this study provides a model grounded in feminist and Latin American perspectives to foster self-perception, agency and critical reflection on career trajectories.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503403
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study analysed the impact of gender-sensitive career counselling on self-efficacy, career aspirations, career barriers, and coping among Brazilian women in STEM. In Brazil, career trajectories are shaped by structural barriers and limited opportunities, such as weak industrial infrastructure, scarce quality jobs and persistent gender, race, and class inequalities. We adopted a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, and the intervention was co-designed with participants. Participants reported higher occupational self-efficacy and coping with barriers. While there was no significant change in aspirations or perception of barriers, interviews suggest a shift in how barriers are understood. We discussed the limitations of individual counselling in unequal contexts and indicated implications for Latin American women in STEM and counselling professionals. Considering most research regarding women in STEM comes from Global North, this study provides a model grounded in feminist and Latin American perspectives to foster self-perception, agency and critical reflection on career trajectories.
ISSN:0954-0253
1360-0516
DOI:10.1080/09540253.2025.2568394