Dear Editor:
Every March 8 is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in equity in strategic fields such as science and innovation.
In Chile, although women are the majority in higher education, their presence in STEM degrees barely reaches 20%. The gap widens when we look at science- and technology-based ventures, where fewer than a third have female leadership.
The Ministry of Science recently presented a report that addresses these challenges and proposes concrete measures to strengthen women’s participation in innovation. The diagnosis is clear: without equity, the country’s scientific and technological development is held back.
In a knowledge-based economy, wasting female talent is a strategic loss. It has been proven that diverse teams generate better solutions and greater competitiveness.
Closing this gap is a condition for the country’s scientific and technological future.
Fernanda Maldonado
Strategic Alliances Manager, Know Hub Chile
Read the original letter at https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/opinion/cartas/2026/03/09/la-innovacion-que-chile-aun-no-se-permite/
