Despite the advances in inclusion, women continue to face labor prejudices, particularly when they choose careers dominated by men such as those who enter the Stem category, which includes science, technology, engineering and mathematics, creating barriers that prevent them from performing their full potential in their chosen profession.
One of the ways to face these obstacles is through inspiring stories and the example of precursors, with the International Women’s Day presenting as the perfect scenario to share stories of professionals who have succeeded in their field despite adversities. Among them are Andrea Matuk, Ana Luna Torres and Nancy Chasquibol, exemplary professionals who have the purpose of empowering new generations of women who choose University Superior (SUENEDU).
The footprint of the past
Andrea Matuk, director of the School of Systems Engineering of the Ulima, recalls that at the beginning her parents doubted that she chose this discipline, while her brothers were offered to apply for more technical and academic options. “This situation reflects the tendency of society to segment the professions according to gender, classifying them as ‘female’ or ‘male’,” Matuk explains, who adds that, when she entered the career, the only woman’s teacher she had was the accounting.
The case of Ana Luna Torres, teacher of the Civil Engineering career, was different. His father, being closely linked to construction companies and being part of a family environment where women who studied and worked predominated, gave their support almost immediately. In addition, the situation played a fundamental role. “When he studied, the country lived a convulsed era where engineers were greatly valued,” he says.
Family support was also received by Nancy Chasquibol, chemistry and teacher of the Industrial Engineering career. She, originally from Amazonas, remembers that her parents always respected her decision. “I come from a mixed school where there were no distinctions and there was always a healthy competition with my classmates to demonstrate our knowledge and skills, regardless of gender. When I entered the university, although I noticed that most students in my career were men, I kept that same philosophy and sought to excel, ”he says.
Broving down barriers
When Andrea Matuk made the decision to study the systems engineering career, her parents supported her despite the initial doubts. “Even my mother drove me when I felt I could give up, and I thank him to this day,” he says. Today, one of his greatest achievements is to be director of the career and maintain balance in his professional and family life.
“Women often feel limited by the belief that they must choose between their career and the family. They face comments such as: ‘You can’t ascend because now you have to dedicate yourself to the house’. This is an additional challenge, especially in a work environment where, to advance, you are expected to be available even late at night, something that is not so simple for mothers, ”reflects the engineer.
Ana Luna Torres points out that the panorama has changed significantly: “Today I see a balance between men and women in my laboratory classes and practices. Technology has been key, has democratized certain tasks and allowed women to have access to tools that facilitate our professional work. ”
Impulse to young people
Matuk motivates young women to try to follow these careers if it is their passion: “The most important thing is not to compare with others, but with themselves. Each person has their own rhythm and skills. ” He suggests that they seek inspiration in women who have achieved success in engineering and do not let stereotypes limit them. For their part, Luna Torres encourages young women to work as a team, enhance their soft skills and have support networks to excel in the work environment.
Nancy Chasquibol suggests to young women must complement their knowledge, attend congresses, workshops, diplomatures, as well as dominate and know other languages, to grow in the professional field, ”he adds. This Council allowed him to fulfill one of his greatest achievements: lead, in 2018, the inauguration of the functional food laboratory, together with authorities of the University of Lima.
Achieving the empowerment of women and their access to leadership positions – as Matuk, Luna Torres and Chasquibol did – is essential to generate a significant change, both for them and for the organizations in which they work. According to Aequales, when more than 30 % of senior management positions are occupied by women, companies experience an increase greater than 20 % in their profitability.