Latin America. The technology industry is one of the most important in the world, and in recent years it has gained even more relevance. Today we live the digital transformation, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and we have seen how engines went from combustion to electric, creation of smart cities, different purchasing models, among other changes. However, despite the fact that technology is genderless, there is still a gap in the sector.
According to UN Women, this gender continues to be in the minority, both in the world of work and in academia. Only 28% of graduates in professional careers such as engineering are women, 22% work in artificial intelligence and are less than a third of the workforce in the technology sector worldwide. Therefore, it is important that from education girls are encouraged at an early age to be part of the technology industry so that they are competitive in the future and we have more women leaders in the sector.
The education system should implement changes to empower girls and bring them closer to the industry by creating training programs and training in technology and entrepreneurship, so they will learn to create technological solutions and improve their skills and knowledge, which will give them a competitive advantage in the labor market. In addition, it will encourage creativity and their ability to solve problems.
However, one of the main professional challenges that women face is the leadership of multicultural and generational teams. However, it is important that women prepare to lead teams and develop an emotional intelligence that allows them to transcend uncomfortable processes and value themselves. According to a study by Deloitte, diverse teams perform better and are more innovative. For this reason, leaders in all industries recognize that a workforce that engages people of different genders, races, and ages is successful.
If we have adequate preparation and understand that our capabilities are on the same level as those of men, we will contribute more and more to the technology industry and occupy more leadership positions.
However, it is important to be highly competitive and seek to constantly nourish oneself with diverse knowledge and experiences. However, gender-specific virtues must be recognized: in men, we can find organization, practicality and intelligence, while in women, we can find passion, creativity, resourcefulness and intelligence, the mixture of these virtues can build highly successful teams in any industry.
Education, without a doubt, is the key to human, social, economic and cultural development, so it has a valuable role to empower girls in the ICT sector. That is why I invite you to encourage them to study careers related to technology and provide them with the necessary support so that they can access leadership positions. This will not only allow them to succeed in their career, but will contribute to creating a more equitable society. It is important not to give up and work unstoppably to achieve our goals, starting by crossing our own mental barriers.
Companies and organizations can also play a key role in supporting programs and projects that promote ICT education for women and contribute to the creation of a more diverse workforce. Technology is an exciting industry and we need more women leaders in it to achieve significant advances and greater gender equality.
Text written by: Adriana Martínez, Regional Business Development Manager Epson.
