Abstract Understanding the barriers to women’s employment and implementing inclusive initiatives in STEM workplaces is a critical global challenge. This systematic literature review applied a PRISMA-guided protocol to screen and critically appraise 44 empirical publications across four multidisciplinary databases. This review produced a structured analysis of the nature of barriers, their outcomes, and inclusive organisational initiatives for women in STEM workplaces. The study identifies intersecting barriers – bias-related, stereotype threat, culture, and structural – that hinder women’s representation and career progression. Inclusive initiatives, such as mentorship, stereotype reduction, equitable policies, and transparent promotion pathways, are explored as solutions; however, there are gaps in measuring their long-term efficacy and incorporating cross-cultural and intersectional perspectives. The findings underscore the need for robust theoretical frameworks and empirical research to promote equity and inclusion, thereby unlocking the full potential of women in STEM.
Wu et al. (Tue,) studied this question.