The inclusion of women in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) world is a journey in progress. Achievements are improving, but there is still much to be done. According to World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Brazil, one of the largest countries in Latin America, is in 57th position in their global ranking of 146 countries regarding gender equity – an impressive improvement from the 2022 overall ranking of 94, but still working to make advancements on many indicators that make up the score.
On the global front is striking that in the global technology sector, where mastery of STEM disciplines is essential, the presence of women in leadership positions is limited. The study shows that, globally, the participation of women in senior management (vice presidents and directors) in STEM is only 12.4%. This snapshot of the top of the technology industry pyramid only reinforces a trend that begins with the recruitment of female STEM students: only 36.6% of students taking courses in these disciplines are women.
The United Nations (UN) estimates that by 2050, 75% of all jobs will be related to STEM areas. With numbers like these, it is critical to pay special attention to the education and participation of women, where the statistics are even more troubling. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), only 35% of the graduates in STEM fields globally are women.
A digital world with few women is a poorer universe. According to the UN Gender Snapshot 2022 report, this situation has shaved US$ 1 trillion from the economies of low- and middle-income countries over the past 10 years. If nothing is done, the losses could reach US$ 1.5 trillion by 2025.
However, in our vision there are practices that can help to improve women's access to STEM education, building a path to professional positions in Latin American's digital economy. These points are regarding realities faced not just by the two of us, but for all women, and that demand transformation.
Examples of successful women in STEM - Anecdotally, when women are able to choose an education curriculum or a career path, they are drawn to areas where they see women enjoying success. This is a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation – if few women enter STEM fields, there will be few examples of successful women in the field. By providing encouragement, and mentorship and support for women to follow STEM education and careers, there will be more examples of successful women for inspiration. The presence of women in management positions in technology companies serves as a source of hope for women to consider STEM when defining their careers. This is an inspiration that is not at all theoretical, and includes a hard journey that combines work and ongoing training. These examples of successful women in STEM must go beyond the corporate world and reach schools, communities and other environments where there are girls and women who need to believe that change is possible. Additionally, the positive impact of familial support cannot be overstated. For one of the authors, coming from a family of engineers provided a supportive environment where her entry into the STEM field was not only encouraged but also nurtured. Having family members who understand the challenges and opportunities within the industry can provide invaluable guidance and mentorship, ultimately empowering women to pursue and excel in STEM careers.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives - It is essential that technology companies prioritize diversity. Diversity and Inclusion programs can encourage women - among other groups - in their businesses and in their fields. In fact, the goal is to take the DEI flag to less acknowledged communities in general. This includes developing programs and campaigns aimed at girls and women of all races in K-12 education and universities. It's about presenting the digital economy as a space that needs women and wants to welcome female professionals. It is a showing of hope that involves different audiences and presents a pragmatic vision, based on examples and educational actions, of a new digital Latin America. The authors of this article are part of this journey and are engaged in those DEI programs.
Human Resources (HR) - Together with the DEI team, HR can help to drive change. To do so, it is necessary to take an active stance to pursue students and young professionals with the potential to participate in recruitment programs for positions that require mastery of STEM disciplines. Selection for a position must focus on the candidate's qualifications, but early campaigning and guidance will help these young women to understand the opportunities in tech companies and the education required to secure these roles. But the recruitment process must be broad, bringing in more candidates to get to know the company and the benefits of working there, including strong employee resource groups that provide a community and mentorship for the people new to these STEM roles. We believe that this is one of the key points of expanding the female presence at STEM job positions.
The role of leaders - In organizations, the leader - male or female - is critical to supporting women in STEM. Feedback from the manager to the female employee is a results-oriented moment that sheds light on the professional's journey and, at the end of the day, can help build solid self-esteem. Another important point is that, in the past, it was common for young professional women or non-typical employees to “code switch” – changing how they present themselves at work to make it easier for them to facilitate their inclusion in a largely male, homogenous team. This can include changing how they dress, hiding their true interests and hobbies, and changing their “work personality” to fit in. In theory, those days should be gone. Companies are including diversity and including in their missions and values, supporting a culture where women and other non-typical professionals will be treated in the same way as men without having to deny their authentic self. The leader plays a critical role in modeling a safe and supportive workplace, and providing equity in opportunities and pay. Leaders need to demand respectful words and behaviors from all employees, and open discussions and training about acceptable behavior and the consequences of unacceptable actions. The leader can help women to be part of a culture of respect and recognition in the midst of the work routine. Moreover, one of the authors, upon being invited to work at her current job position, noticed that the company website showcased women in leadership positions, leading her to believe it was an organization that offered equal opportunities to men and women alike. This realization underscored the importance of supportive leadership in fostering an inclusive environment for women in STEM.
Education – Education is much more than going to school, and the education provided to girls from all walks of life is still seriously lacking. In a toy store, for example, there is often a clear division between traditional “girl’s toys”, a mostly pink section focused on dolls, and the traditional boys' section, full of science games and construction toys. In schools, it is common to find robotics groups that, although being open to all students, are made up entirely of boys. This presents children with a segmented world that does not make it easier for girls to build self-esteem. When we come to university engineering courses, for example, the limited presence of female students often makes them withdraw into themselves, feeling that they have no place. One result of this situation can be that girls drop out of STEM courses at university. Families and schools need to change in order to break down stereotypes and create a fertile ground for girls, teenagers and young women to believe that there is no gender basis for what a girl or woman can study and make STEM education and STEM careers a natural option.
The life of a working woman is complex - there are many roles that go hand in hand.
During the pandemic, the two of us had the opportunity to mix work and home life intensely. Our children saw us working, and working with pleasure and determination. As a society, we need to continue this positive demonstration of multi-faceted women nurturing their families and working to provide for them. This is a lesson for the new generations, who can acknowledge that women are equally capable of succeeding in STEM education and working in STEM disciplines. In 2024, it is essential that we encourage and support girls and women to thrive, including pursuing interest in STEM through all levels of education and in career opportunities. We can work together to make this journey a smooth one, and at the end, everyone wins.
