In a world where technological innovation is defining our present and future, the gender gap in technology - inequality between men and women in access, participation and recognition in the field of technology - remains an urgent challenge. From childhood to adulthood, women face barriers that limit their opportunities in this field.
For this reason, from Chicas en Tecnología, we carried out the awareness campaign "From Girls to Leaders", which connected two key dates: the International Day of Women and Girls in Scienceand the International Working Women's Day to make this problem visible and promote systemic change.
Childhood: awakening curiosity for technology
From a very young age, girls receive messages that reinforce the idea that technology is not for them. Gender stereotypes - beliefs about how a group of people are or should behave - can limit their interests and their ability to explore what they like and who they want to be.
If we want to close the gender gap in technology, we have to start working from childhood. We need to create spaces free of bias where girls can explore freely, experiment without fear of error, and find references that inspire them to dream of becoming scientists, programmers and engineers. Because technology is also theirs.
Adolescence: time to make decisions
Adolescence is a time of great questions and discoveries. It is the time when girls begin to imagine their future, but also when doubts and insecurities arise. Mandates, lack of role models, and biases in the environment can discourage their interest in STEM careers (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
In order to encourage more teenagers to choose these paths, it is essential to create unbiased learning spaces, make women in technology more visible and reinforce confidence in their own abilities and interests.
Youth: staying on track
Choosing to study or work in technology is a challenge for many women. In educational and work environments, the presence of women is still a minority. According to data from our latest research on 6 Latin American countries, women do not exceed the 23% in university programming careers (The gap that persists, CET 2024).
Lack of representation can cause many to drop out. However, support networks make a difference. Connecting with other women in technology, having industry peers and strengthening peer communities is key to sustaining motivation and opening up new opportunities.
Adulthood: leading and transforming technology
Growing up in the technology industry is not an easy path for women. We are only the 26% of the workforce in technology and our presence in leadership roles is even lower: 5% only (World Economic Forum, 2023).
This affects women's professional development and deepens the economic inequality between men and women. It also impacts the technology products and services we use every day. When development and decision-making teams are not diverse, the technology that is created reflects these biases.
Building an equitable industry is not only a matter of inclusion, but a necessity to drive technological innovation, promote sustainable development and reduce inequalities throughout society.
A call to action
The gender gap in technology is a collective challenge that requires the collaborative work of all sectors of society to promote systemic change in the industry. It is an enormous opportunity to transform the future.
At Chicas en Tecnología, we are celebrating 10 years of opening roads and working so that more women can be protagonists of technological development. Because when technology is diverse, its impact is more powerful.
You can also be part of the change:
- Make this problem visible.
- Accompany the new generations.
- Promote spaces free of bias.
- Support initiatives that promote equity in technology.
Let's close the gender gap in technology together.
