Women in science and equity in Serbia – so near, yet so far

Abstract

The concept of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is essential for research and academic programs and institutions worldwide, but although women do not lag behind men at entry and graduation from Serbian universities, equitable leadership does and it further hinders outcomes in every way: from translational science via healthcare up to legislative efforts to protect children, women and elderly. Although all these may seem as l’art-pour-l’art issues when compared to mere survival in war zones on two continents and all issues women face under circumstances of displacement and bans on rights to education, healthcare and sounds of their own voices in public, still it is the ongoing fight for rights lost in silence and where one least expects it that has to push every human being to fight for the oppressed and underprivileged.

Keywords: COVID-19; sex differences; gender differences; women in medicine; women in cardiology; women in STEM