International Women’s Day (March 8) is a reminder that, like technology, opportunities for women in the industry are quickly advancing. Positive change brings new career prospects, especially as more companies embrace digital transformation and place a long overdue emphasis on the value of diversity.
Latin America (LATAM), in particular, is becoming a hotspot for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The region’s burgeoning business sector, proximity to the US, and skilled female workforce make it a prime location to find, hire, and retain talent.
Breaking Barriers in Progressive Tech Fields
Historically, women have been underrepresented in key technology areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, and data science. However, the need for diverse perspectives in these fast-growing, high-impact fields create new inroads.
Emerging specializations, like robotic process automation (RPA) and extended reality (XR) also offer exciting opportunities for the next wave of women in tech. As new fields emerge, they don't have the legacy bias of being predominantly male. Being diverse is a part of their history from the start, which encourages more women to pursue them.
The rapid evolution we’re finally seeing take shape doesn’t just involve filling open positions; the integration of women into these fields is having a profound impact on revenue growth. According to a 2023 report by PWC, companies with a higher proportion of women in leadership roles demonstrate a 26% higher profitability margin. This trend extends to the composition of technology teams, where diversity in perspectives and backgrounds fosters innovation and expansion.
The Next Generation of Women in Tech
Women currently hold only 28% of tech jobs globally, according to the World Economic Forum's 2022 Global Gender Gap Report. While worldwide economies need to continue narrowing the gender gap, the commitment to do so is inspiring the next generation of female technologists.
Seeing women excel in high-tech fields encourages more women and girls to pursue STEM careers. For example, in LATAM the number of women studying STEM increased by 45% in the past decade, changing the demographic landscape of the technology sector.
Why We Need Women in Tech
Similar to how integrated systems need to communicate and collaborate to improve technology infrastructure, so do staffing models. Workplace inclusion and diversity that reflect the world we live in results in a better, more marketable outcome.
A few reasons why ensuring women’s voices are heard is critical to technological prowess include:
- Perspective - multiple viewpoints and experiences result in more comprehensive products and services.
- Innovation - diversity of thought breeds greater innovation.
- Role models - visible female leaders instill confidence to pursue tech careers.
- Economic growth - welcoming diversity into the workforce unlocks the potential for individual and community learning and earning.
Open Talent is a Competitive Advantage
Leveraging a skilled, on-demand, remote workforce empowers businesses to quickly scale technology teams, software and services capabilities, and sustain momentum. Making it easier to work increases the human resources available to actually do the work. Accessibility gains are having a direct positive impact on enterprise success. Companies with greater gender diversity consistently outperform the industry average.
As more talented women shape worldwide technological advancements, they create opportunities for others, and pave the way for a more inclusive and representative future of work for all.
