The tech sector in Latin America (LATAM) is experiencing a remarkable transformation driven by the rising prominence of women. In recent years, the participation of women in the tech workforce has surged, reflecting their increasing influence and impact on the industry.
This growth is being fueled by a number of factors, including:
- An educational system with a strong emphasis on STEM education. This provides women with a solid foundation to pursue careers in tech.
- A growing culture of inclusivity and diversity in the tech sector. This is driven by initiatives such as the Meninas Digitais project in Brazil and the Niñas Programando program in Colombia.
- Strategic partnerships between organizations and businesses focused on advancing women in tech. These partnerships help to bridge the gender gap and ensure that women have equal opportunities and representation in the tech sector.
The Women Tech Talent Landscape in LATAM
The growth in women’s representation in tech is not confined to a single country; it’s a regional phenomenon. The Women Tech Talent pool in LATAM has more than doubled in size since 2017. This exponential increase is a testament to the region’s commitment to nurturing and expanding this invaluable resource.
Mexico is a prime example of this trend. Women constitute a substantial 38.47% of Mexico’s tech labor force, and over 40% have accumulated more than 11 years of experience in the industry.
Other countries in LATAM are also making significant strides in promoting women in tech. Brazil has seen a 12% increase in women working in the tech sector since 2017. In Colombia, women now account for over 30% of the tech workforce.
Women in High-Demand Job Families and Critical Tech Areas
Women Tech Talent representation in high-demand job families such as Security and Software Development is growing at a rate of over 15% CAGR. The security job family offers the highest median base pay, followed closely by Software Development. These figures underscore the earning potential for women in tech and highlight the significance of their contributions to the industry.
In most LATAM countries, representation of Women in critical Tech areas such as IT and Security is high, signifying a progressive trend.
Mexico’s Institute for Information Technology offers tech programs tailored specifically for women, contributing to the growth of women in tech roles. Furthermore, 45% of LATAM’s researchers are women, with 36% specializing in STEM fields.
Despite these advancements, there is still room for improvement, as only 30% of patents in LATAM have at least one woman on the team of inventors. This underscores the need for continued efforts to enhance gender diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
Supporting Women in Tech: Mexican Universities Lead the Way
The future of the tech sector in LATAM is bright, and women are poised to play a central role in its development. To support this growth, universities across the region are establishing dedicated tech programs for women.
The Mexican government has established 120 tuition-free universities to promote Women in Tech roles. By 2025, a projected 71,000 women tech graduates will join the workforce.
The Meninas Digitais project in Brazil is a great example of how organizations are working to empower women in tech. The project provides women with workshops and mentoring to help them develop the skills they need to succeed in the tech industry.
The Road Ahead
The road to achieving greater representation of women in tech is paved with opportunities and initiatives. Collaboration between companies and organizations that focus on advancing women in tech is vital to this transformation.
These partnerships are instrumental in bridging the gender gap ensuring women have equal opportunities and representation in the tech sector.
Draup’s deep dive into Women Tech Talent in Latin America offers an overview of women’s increasing participation in tech, their educational support, and the economic impact.
The report uncovers insights into women’s growth in critical tech job families, compensation trends, and promising developments in various LATAM countries.
Draup for Talent offers specialized insights into the talent ecosystem, assisting you in finding the ideal candidate for your company’s needs. It provides a 360-degree view of the global talent landscape, trends, and insights, enhancing the candidate experience and streamlining the recruitment process.
