Women in science: still an unused pool of talent?

The paper presents data and insights on women in higher education and research. The situation in many Oecd countries is presented and commented referring particularly to measures taken to increase female participation either in scientific studies and in subsequent careers in science. Although the overall numbers are increasing, participation is not balanced by an increase of women in high level positions. Some initiatives taken either by international organizations, such as OECD, UNESCO and the European Union, aimed at introducing and promoting policies, are presented, as well as initiatives and concrete measures taken by Institutions in many countries. The paper deals with the many problems that face the "women in science" question and presents some possible solutions the can be set up to face and reduce the obstacles to guarantee society to benefit from the female pool of talents that is still unused.