Dear Editor:
Despite progress, the gender gap in training and access to technology in Chile persists. Women remain underrepresented in STEM careers, accounting for only 31% of enrollments in engineering and technology (Mineduc, 2021) and just 28% of ICT professionals (OECD, 2022). Factors such as stereotypes, a lack of role models and socioeconomic barriers perpetuate this inequality, which is also reflected in a 17% gender pay gap in the sector (Fundación Chile Mujeres).
There are initiatives seeking to change this reality. Programs such as Sence’s “Mujer” and “Mujeres X Talento Digital” have trained more women in technology skills. At the regional level, Laboratoria and Mujeres TICs Latam are boosting employability in tech.
However, training alone is not enough; it is key to build in a genuine gender perspective: flexible schedules, safe spaces and greater visibility for role models such as Barbarita Lara or Komal Dadlani.
Including women in technology is not just a matter of equity, but of innovation and development. Chile needs more women in the sector to build a fairer and more diverse digital future.
Jovanka Trebotich
Portfolio manager, Know Hub Chile
Read the original letter at https://litoralpress.cl/sitio/Prensa_Texto?LPKey=ONSLRHWSFS6YTM2W4TJ26EROWWINTLWS2QITC5WMGLWL22PKSTGA
