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Empowering Innovation and Gender Equity in STEM: Reflections from INTAL Connection 2023

 

Last September, our CEO, Jennyfer Salvo, had the honor of being invited as a panelist at the event “INTAL Connection 2023: The Leap towards Inclusive Integration,” organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). During this event, young people, entrepreneurs, and specialists gathered to address challenges related to gender equity, diversity in sexual orientation, ethnic and cultural backgrounds in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Jenny had the opportunity to share her perspective and reflections on the #STEM sector and the importance of closing gender gaps in this industry. Here are her reflections during her intervention:

  • Low Female Economic Participation: Women’s economic participation is limited and unfortunately has worsened since the pandemic. In STEM, access is even more restrictive. Why does this gap matter? Not only for justice and equity but fundamentally because the inclusion of all sectors of society is a boost to economic growth, which is staggered and the ability to innovate, where Chile has regressed in recent years.

  • Gender Gap in Key Positions: In crucial fields such as #AI, barely a fifth of positions are occupied by women. Inequalities are deeply rooted in the STEM industry. The causes? A mix of stereotypes, expectations, and a lack of programs that bring women closer to scientific fields.

  • Prejudices in Education: A study conducted in Chile indicates that girls are often discouraged in scientific subjects and face professional expectations that steer them towards humanities and social assistance fields. How do we change the paradigm in a comprehensive way? We must not forget that the majority of teachers are women.

  • Threats of Labor Transformation: The transformation of employment in the technological age could disproportionately affect women, as acquiring the necessary skills could be problematic.

  • Inclusive Training Programs: To close the gender gap in STEM, it is essential to implement programs that allow women to participate on an equal footing and develop their careers in technological fields, starting from childhood.

  • Competitiveness and Growth: The inclusion of women in STEM is not only a matter of justice and equity but also essential to boost competitiveness and economic growth in our region. Diverse perspectives enrich innovation and decision-making.

Enjoy an exciting video summary of this event, HERE

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Access all the talks from the event!