Passion and prejudice in research

In every country examined, there are far fewer women in senior positions in science than the number who begin a career in research — and those who do achieve success are paid less than their male colleagues. Irrespective of gender, the distribution of grants for scientific research is grossly skewed in favour of the few at the expense of the many. And members of some ethnic minority groups tend not even to begin careers in research. Why are these discriminatory practices tolerated, and what (if anything) is being done to change this state of affairs?