Latin America. Women's participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers is remarkably low globally. With only 35% representation in this educational field and less than 30% of female scientific researchers, significant gender gaps persist that limit the innovative potential and diversity of perspectives in solving present and future challenges.
According to the United Nations (UNESCO), in Latin America and the Caribbean, significant progress has been made towards gender parity in scientific research, with 45% of researchers being women, making it one of the two regions in the world that has achieved this milestone.
However, despite this progress, women remain underrepresented at the top levels of careers and remain a minority in many STEM fields in most countries in the region.
Sometimes, women tend to opt for careers not related to STEM, which limits their access to highly demanded job sectors. Faced with this reality, there is a need to promote a cultural change that encourages girls to explore and excel in STEM disciplines from an early age.
To this end, Cisco provides the following recommendations for young women who are considering a career in STEM:
1. Finding out what they are passionate about and how they can bring those passions to the world of science and technology is critical. To achieve this, it is advisable to explore different STEM areas and discover motivations.
2. The world of science and technology is full of exciting opportunities to be creative and innovative. That's why staying on top of the latest trends and technological advancements can inspire and open up new possibilities.
3. It is important not to be influenced by the stereotypes and prejudices that still exist in STEM disciplines. That's why it's key for women to be confident in their abilities; Passion and determination are crucial in this field.
4. Seeking out mentors to provide support and guidance on the path to a career in STEM is critical. Having people to guide and inspire can make a huge difference in the career path of each and every woman.
5. When choosing a career in STEM, don't be afraid to face challenges and maintain authenticity on the path to goals in science and technology. In the end, resilience and authenticity are powerful qualities that will help overcome any obstacle and achieve the desired success.
To contribute in this area, the Cisco Networking Academy educational program offers technical and professional training in networking, cybersecurity, programming, Internet of Things, Programmable Infrastructure and Operating Systems, with a special focus on female inclusion. Networking Academy has benefited more than 4 million students in Latin America, of which 31% are women.
