2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Underrepresentation of women in engineering is influenced by low women faculty persistence, because it conveys to students that the field is not a worthwhile career. Current research lacks a systemic overview of the barriers affecting women faculty persistence. The purpose of this article is to review existing literature to identify and analyze the factors that influence women’s faculty persistence in engineering academia. This study employs a mapping literature review; a method used to systematically categorize and visualize research to provide a comprehensive overview and identify gaps in research. Relevant and credible studies were systematically identified and selected from major academic databases. They were grouped into key thematic areas, including institutional barriers, cultural influences, and individual experiences. The findings were charted, analyzed, and synthesized to illustrate research trends, highlight patterns and gaps, and provide insights into areas requiring further investigation. This study maps the barriers and challenges within the personal and professional contexts of women that affect faculty persistence in engineering. It also emphasizes the importance of developing targeted policies and support mechanisms to mitigate barriers affecting women faculty persistence, which in turn would enhance retention, equity, and career progression in engineering for women.