In recent years, the issue of mental health among women in academia has garnered
increasing attention due to the multiple challenges they face, including gender bias,
discrimination, and unequal opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified these
challenges, particularly for women with caregiving responsibilities. The pressure to excel
in research, teaching, and service, compounded by societal expectations around family,
has created significant work-life balance challenges. Studies have revealed the alarming
prevalence of mental health issues among academic staff, showing that 43% of faculty
members exhibited symptoms of at least mild mental disorders—almost double the rate
observed in the general population. Meanwhile, many academic institutions lack
sufficient resources and support systems to meet the mental health needs of women
faculty and other marginalized groups. Institutional factors, such as human resource
policies and leadership support, play a critical role in the broader academic culture. As a
result, the dominant narrative relies on the self-responsibility for mental health, with
women been often held individually accountable for managing their distress. This project
seeks to explore how institutional factors—rather than individual ones—can address the
mental health and well-being of female faculty members. Through a review of existing
literature and an analysis of current policies and organizational initiatives at various
universities, the project will examine efforts to promote women's mental health and well
being from a comparative perspective, focusing on Brazil, Australia, Canada, and the
United Kingdom. Additionally, the project will integrate both quantitative and qualitative
research to investigate the contextual factors influencing women's mental health in
academic settings across diverse cultural and institutional landscapes. By generating
empirical evidence on strategies to overcome systemic inequalities that contribute to the
burden on women in academia, this study aims to inform initiatives for addressing gender
disparities both within Brazil and globally.