THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN PROFESSIONAL ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Abstract

In the current society of intense social connections, there is wide scientific consensus in relation to the issue advocating that professional development can benefit from true participation and interaction in the community of reference. Within this framework, the aim of this research has been to inquire about the perceptions of female academic professionals at the University
of Alicante, and more specifically, to examine their opinions and personal experiences regarding professional interrelations with mentors and their integration in professional networks. The applied methodology has combined the processes of qualitative and quantitative interpretation supported by the AQUAD Six data processing program, which facilitates the presentation of results.
The results show clear evidence in relation to the fact that, although the persistence of gender differentials in Higher Education Institutions is statistically evident, academic women do not blame institutions for discrimination nor do they feel like victims, but they would like a more collaborative structure
in the university community which could provide effective opportunities in their professional development, and lead not only to equitable participation and promotion but also help the progress of the institution.