Mujeres de la arqueología chilena. Trayectorias investigativas en los últimos 40 años frente a las políticas nacionales en Ciencia

The participation of women archaeologists in the FONDECYT Regular, Initiation, and Postdoctoral programs is reviewed and evaluated as the primary source of financing for basic sciences in Chile. Originating 40 years ago, the program has been strengthened over the years by creating programs that have contributed to financing projects of young researchers in the last 20 years. Data collected from the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) has been analyzed quantitatively, with additional qualitative insights gathered from interviews with women archaeology researchers. In summary, it is evident that women’s participation in the field remains relatively low. However, their presence has been consistent over the last 40 years and is observed across the entire country. In recent decades, it has been recognized that women tend to choose a longer path into research, including postdoctoral and initiation stages, compared to men. Although it is not possible to evaluate the impact of specific gender policies in science in Chile, it is observed that the creation of programs aimed at supporting the research of young archaeologists has had a positive effect.