The impact of gender-sensitive career counselling on the self-perception of Brazilian women in STEM

This study analysed the impact of gender-sensitive career counselling on self-efficacy, career aspirations, career barriers, and coping among Brazilian women in STEM. In Brazil, career trajectories are shaped by structural barriers and limited opportunities, such as weak industrial infrastructure, scarce quality jobs and persistent gender, race, and class inequalities. We adopted a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, and the intervention was co-designed with participants. Participants reported higher occupational self-efficacy and coping with barriers. While there was no significant change in aspirations or perception of barriers, interviews suggest a shift in how barriers are understood. We discussed the limitations of individual counselling in unequal contexts and indicated implications for Latin American women in STEM and counselling professionals. Considering most research regarding women in STEM comes from Global North, this study provides a model grounded in feminist and Latin American perspectives to foster self-perception, agency and critical reflection on career trajectories.