Women’s research productivity in academia: a systematic review of challenges and solutions

Gender disparities in research productivity persist globally, limiting the advancement of women in academia and hindering knowledge production. While previous systematic reviews have documented these disparities, this study uniquely integrates Intersectionality Theory and Institutional Theory within a systematic review framework to analyse the complex interplay of structural, cultural, and identity-based barriers—particularly within the context of the Global South. Intersectionality reveals how overlapping disadvantages based on gender, geography, and socioeconomic status compound inequality, while Institutional Theory uncovers how rigid academic norms and evaluation structures reproduce exclusion. Analysing 180 studies published between 1991 and 2024, the review finds that patriarchal academic cultures, systemic biases, and limited institutional accountability disproportionately affect women researchers. It also highlights a persistent gap between gender-equity policy formulation and implementation, reflecting institutional inertia and resistance to structural change. Addressing these inequities requires multi-level policy reforms, including mandatory diversity training for grant review panels, the implementation of gender-blind review processes, and context-specific interventions tailored to the unique challenges of the Global South. However, the review also reveals a lack of rigorous methodological approaches in evaluating current interventions—a gap future research must address. This study contributes a theory-driven synthesis that informs more sustainable, culturally grounded strategies for fostering inclusive academic environments.