The growing incidence of abiotic stresses ranging from soil salinity and prolonged drought to increasingly frequent temperature extremes continues to challenge global agriculture and jeopardize food security. As these pressures intensify under a changing climate, the demand for resilient crop systems and deeper biological understanding is greater than ever. Over the past decade and a half (2010–2025), women scientists have played a pivotal yet often under-recognized role in advancing plant abiotic stress research. Their contributions span a wide scientific spectrum, from elucidating redox-based signaling networks and stress-responsive physiological pathways to pioneering multi-omics approaches and developing innovative biotechnological tools aimed at improving crop tolerance. This review synthesizes the scientific progress achieved through research efforts led by women as first authors, corresponding authors, or principal investigators, highlighting exemplary studies and emerging themes that have shaped the field. Alongside these accomplishments, the review addresses persistent structural and institutional barriers that limit women’s participation in STEM, particularly within plant sciences, and evaluates global initiatives designed to promote equity and inclusion in research environments. By integrating scientific advances with social and institutional perspectives, the review outlines a strategic roadmap to support and amplify innovation driven by women scientists, including as leaders in research teamsin plant stress biology. Ultimately, fostering gender equity in this discipline is more than an ethical responsibility it is a necessary foundation for building sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural systems for the future.
Elhawat et al. (Tue,) studied this question.