Although the artificial intelligenceautomation and digital transformation are generating new job opportunities, the participation of women in careers linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics is still low in Peru. Only the 29.2% of students enrolled in these disciplines are womenwhile they barely get the 38% of university degrees in these areas.
The gap begins even before young people reach university. Stereotypes, the lack of female role models and limited access to practical experiences related to technology can influence the vocational decisions of girls and adolescents.
“Peru needs more women designing technological solutions, leading artificial intelligence projects, developing innovation and occupying strategic positions in the industries of the future. To achieve this, we need to awaken that interest long before a young woman has to choose a professional career,” she says. Lucero León, president of the Women in Technology Council (WTC) and leader of the board of directors of the Women in Technology Summit (WTS)who also considers that increasing the female presence in these careers is also a necessity for the economic development of the country
Female participation in science and technology is also a regional challenge. UNESCO warns that diversity in these fields favors innovation and strengthens competitiveness, while ECLAC points out that the presence of women in careers linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics continues below 40% in Latin America.
Faced with this scenario, specialists suggest that reducing the gap must begin at the school stage and involve families, schools, universities and companies.
1. Break stereotypes from childhood. The idea that mathematics, programming or engineering are careers “for men” can still influence vocational decisions. Introducing girls from an early age to scientific experiments, programming, technology and innovation activities can help expand their career options.
2. Make reference women visible. Showing the work of scientists, engineers, researchers and technological entrepreneurs allows more girls and adolescents to find references with which they can identify and project themselves professionally.
3. Bring technology to the classrooms. Robotics, programming, artificial intelligence clubs, innovation laboratories and science fairs can become spaces for students to discover their skills and learn practically about the opportunities these professions offer.
4. Link vocational guidance with the labor market. Knowing which careers are in greatest demand, what their growth possibilities are, and what professional profiles companies require can help young women make informed decisions about their future.
5. Create mentoring programs. Connecting schoolchildren with university students and professionals in the sector allows them to resolve doubts, share experiences and accompany young people during their first steps in these careers.
Low female participation in science and technology not only represents a gender gap. It also represents an opportunity to incorporate more talent into strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, mining, energy, advanced manufacturing, digital health and technological transformation.
According to UNESCO, only 26% of professionals linked to STEM careers in Peru are womenwhile the researchers represent the 31.9% of the total researchers in the country.
For León, closing this gap requires coordinated work between the State, educational institutions and the private sector. “Reducing the gender gap in these areas is a shared responsibility. When we incorporate more women in these sectors, companies win, innovation wins and the country wins,” he concludes.
In this context, the Women in Technology Summit (WTS) seeks to promote concrete actions to promote female talent through spaces for mentoring, networking, visibility of references and alliances between companies, universities and organizations.
The event will take place on September 30 at the Hotel Los Delfinesand will bring together leaders, companies and professionals linked to the development of female talent in technology and innovation.