University Extension in Health: a gender issue

Abstract

Introduction: In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the presence of women in university settings. However, there is still a significant disparity between genders in certain areas of knowledge and in occupying leadership positions. This disparity is also noticed in terms of the dedication of faculty members to the so-called "university tripod," composed of teaching, research, and extension activities. Objective: This article aims to understand gender disparities in university extension in the field of health, particularly in extension activities that address Integrative and Complementary Practices. Methodology: Considering the established objectives, a descriptive quantitative analysis of the set of health extension activities submitted and approved by ProExt/MEC during its validity period (2010-2016) is carried out. Secondly, the curricula of the coordinating faculty members of these activities are analyzed to outline their career profile (experience with extension, research projects, publications, etc.). Finally, these quantitative results are discussed based on the theoretical framework, relating them to the "glass ceiling" theory. Discussion: The glass ceiling is present in university settings, restricting women's access to leadership positions, social prestige, and decision-making. It was also observed that female faculty members are predominantly responsible for health extension activities and that their relationship with extension is organic and long-lasting, unlike their male colleagues. This fact is even more pronounced when it comes to extension activities that focus on Integrative and Complementary Practices.