Commercial Empire.- Despite the presence of science in our daily lives, few pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and even fewer among women. In Peru, only 29% of women are interested in science and technology because they face challenges such as stereotypes, the salary gap and a lack of leadership positions.
“We are all capable of developing our skills in any area, including the world of STEM. Motivation and family support are some of the factors that influence women when choosing a career in this field. Through Women in Tech, we want to make a significant impact by building skills and confidence in women and preparing them to succeed in the technology industry.” We strive,” noted Isabel Velarde, Regional Director for Latin America & the Caribbean.
Specifically, the global movement Women in Tech seeks to empower 5 million women and girls in STEM by 2030 and close the gender gap to promote women’s participation in technology. Its work in Peru began in May 2020, with the group comprising women contributing in the fields of business, leadership, education and technology.
Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech, will arrive in Lima for the Women in Tech Ladam Awards 2023 ceremony on August 29 to strengthen relationships with allies and promote strategic initiatives in the region. Each category will participate in the closing event on November 16 in Dubai. He is a social entrepreneur and visionary leader, committed to driving positive and sustainable change through technology.
How to promote women’s participation in science and technology?
- To teach equality: It is essential to educate girls, boys and adolescents in gender equality and for this to happen, they need to be stimulated in STEM areas in environments where they can express themselves freely and develop fully.
- Strengthen female role models: There are still stereotypes that women are bad at math. Families should encourage innovation (in girls), create an environment free of stereotypes and share stories of scientists like Marie Curie or Flora de Pablo.
- Encourage them for these careers: From schools, science and computer classes should be developed whose content is innovative and engaging for students, such as robotics workshops or creating web pages. By this, besides explaining the professional benefits, they will be interested in careers like computer engineering or computer science.
- Ensuring women’s access to higher education: Women should be a part of university life, as well as be given the tools to complete their studies. Another area is developing policies for adequate entry into the labor market and narrowing the wage gap.
- Create an equal opportunity country This is achieved through a gender equality approach to living in a country with equal opportunities. High presence of women scientists contributes to innovation and sustainable development in the country.
Science has no gender. From school and home, it is important to break stereotypes that prevent girls from accessing quality education and studying what they want. This is the first step towards training more women scientists who will contribute to the development of the country.
