Autor: Teodora Tea Ristevska

The space industry, once a male-dominated sector, is increasingly opening its doors to women. But although more women than ever are involved in space exploration today, there are still significant gaps. From astronauts to engineers and scientists, women continue to face systemic barriers despite their proven abilities and important contributions. When we look at this sector from a gender perspective, we can see both the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality in space.

Women have always played a central role in space exploration, although their contributions have often been overlooked. Mathematician Katherine Johnson, for example, was instrumental in calculating the flight paths for NASA’s early missions, including the Apollo 11 moon landing. Despite their contributions, women were excluded from astronaut programs for decades. It wasn’t until 1963 that Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space, and it took another 20 years for Sally Ride to become the first American female astronaut.

According to UN News, for at least 30 years, women account for about 20% of the global space workforce, with even fewer in leadership roles or aerospace engineering. Only 11% of astronauts so far, have been women. NASA’s Artemis program announced in 2021, aiming to land the first woman on the moon by 2025, marks an important step, but gender disparities persist. Only 16% of NASA’s aerospace engineers are women, and UN Women reports show significant wage gaps and fewer leadership opportunities for women in STEM.

Women of colour face even greater obstacles. As the American Association of University Women notes, Black, Latina and Indigenous women are severely underrepresented in aerospace and space science. These women face discrimination based on both gender and race, limiting their career opportunities and visibility.

The Importance of Diversity in Space Exploration

Why is gender diversity critical to space exploration? Research shows that diverse teams are more effective in solving complex problems. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that gender-diverse teams perform better, make smarter decisions, and foster more innovation. 

Space exploration is no longer confined to a few nations or organizations. With private companies like SpaceX and nations like India and China entering the space race, it is essential to ensure that gender equality is embedded in this expanding frontier. Without diverse representation, we risk perpetuating the same biases and inequalities that exist on Earth. Including women in all aspects of space exploration will lead to better decision-making, more innovative solutions, and ultimately benefit all of humanity.

Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Space

To achieve gender equality in space, education and outreach must be a priority. Programs like NASA’s Girls in STEM and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs’ Space4Women are designed to inspire and mentor the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and astronauts. These initiatives provide young women with the resources and role models they need to pursue careers in space. Encouraging girls to take an interest in STEM from an early age can break down the societal barriers that often prevent women from entering the space industry. Moreover, workplace policies in the space sector need to evolve. Mentorship programs, gender-neutral parental leave policies, and initiatives that promote women into leadership roles are all critical in retaining female talent.

Gender equality in space is not just about justice; it is crucial for progress and innovation. As humanity reaches for the stars, it is vital that women are not left behind in this next great frontier.

Author: Teodora Tea Ristevska, Finalist of the Empowering Young Women Experts in Regional Security and Foreign Policy Fellowship

Teodora Tea Ristevska specializes in security, intelligence, and counterterrorism, with three years of teaching experience in these fields. She holds two Master’s degrees in Political Science and European Studies, as well as a PhD in Defense Studies from the University of Ljubljana. Since 2018, Teodora has been a researcher at the University of Ljubljana and served as a research fellow at the School of International Service at American University in Washington, D.C., in 2022. Her research examines the relationship between security and liberty post-9/11, as well as intelligence studies, security policy, and information security. She is fluent in five languages and actively participates in the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia.