A Look at Gender Equality

In the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women It is crucial to raise the profile of those who promote women's empowerment, such as Geek Girls Latam.

Women's Empowerment at Geek Girls Latam: A Look at the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence in Education and the Workplace

In the digital age, where technology and education play crucial roles, institutions and platforms such as Geek Girls Latam y Structuralia are emerging as agents of change, promoting women’s empowerment and challenging gender barriers. In exploring these initiatives, it is essential to link their work to the theme of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, examining how they contribute to building a more equitable world in the fields of education and employment.

That's why, after having the opportunity to talk with Diana Salazar, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Geek Girls Latam, we've put together an interesting article that gives us a better understanding of this organization, its role in society, and its challenging mission—one with which Structuralia also fully identifies.

About the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed every November 25, not only highlights the urgency of addressing gender-based violence in both the domestic and public spheres, but also It also highlights the importance of education and the professional environment in promoting gender equality.

This date was designated in memory of the Mirabal sisters, Dominican political activists who were brutally murdered in 1960 for opposing the Trujillo dictatorship.

In the field of education, it serves as a reminder of the the need to raise awareness about gender-based violence in the classroom, promoting equality and mutual respect. In the professional sphere, the following stands out: the importance of creating work environments free from discrimination and violence, where women can develop their skills and talents without fear of reprisal. Eradicating violence against women requires a collective effort that encompasses education and the workplace, building more just and equal societies.

Geek Girls Latam: Creating an Inclusive Space for Women in Technology

This project It stands as a beacon for women passionate about technology, science, and innovation. The platform seeks not only to not only to close the gender gap in these areas, but also to create a space where women feel empowered to explore and excel. In the context of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Geek Girls Latam serves as a digital safe space, countering the gender barriers and stigmas that persist in the tech industry.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Diana Salazar, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Geek Girls Latam, who shares his opinion and discusses the work of this institution, providing further insight on the matter:

“As part of our commitment to promoting greater participation by women in the industry, we recognize the existence of deep-rooted gender biases and the presence of gender-based violence when girls and women engage as digital citizens, inhabit cyberspace, and/or engage in professional settings such as the technology industry, where women are underrepresented. Therefore, through our Geek Girls Latam Chair: Women, Leadership, and the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) Future, We teach women leaders how to determine whether their workplaces are safe, how to deal with micro-sexism, mansplaining (a man explaining something a woman has already explained), manterrupting (a man interrupting a woman while she is speaking), bropropriating (a man taking credit for ideas presented by a woman), and gaslighting (a man undermining a woman’s competence, to manipulate to use psychological means to make a person question their own sanity), and in turn, we share insights on how to lead change within their organizations or immediate environments. 

Internally, We have learned that our technology and life skills training programs must take an intersectional approach, We understand that, in addition to the fact that gender-based violence affects women simply because they are women, it affects indigenous women, migrant women, women with disabilities, lesbians, bisexual women, and transgender women even more, and this intersectional approach is essential to effectively combat such violence. 

As part of our commitment to creating safe spaces free from violence against women, we are speaking out to raise awareness about the importance of female representation in leadership and technical roles within the industry, as well as in the development of public policies that have a global impact, enabling women to grow freely and continuously as professionals in science and technology, opening the door to a world of opportunities and social, economic, and cultural development where their rights are respected.”

Geek Girls Latam's mission is clear

To inspire, educate, and empower women and girls to become actively involved in the field of technology. This nonprofit organization seeks to close the gender gap in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) by creating an inclusive space where women can develop technical skills, explore careers in technology, and find strong support among their peers.

“We believe in and create a path of opportunities and growth so that girls and women can pursue their dreams in the world of STEAM. 

The existing gender gap is one of the main challenges; although we are seeing an increase in women's participation in these areas, there is still a long way to go, Our mission aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of reducing inequalities and promoting gender equality, serving as our guiding principle for the development of our portfolio of services and products. 

Through our interactions with our female colleagues, we have discovered that gender stereotypes persist in these fields, associating women with skills more oriented toward the humanities and men with more technical skills; that is why we continue to work to debunk this theory, not only not only by raising the visibility of women in technical fields but also by helping men connect with their sense of humanity when building technology teams. 

Regarding the challenge of work-life balance, we know that in the STEAM field there is a high-pressure work culture that can disproportionately affect women, especially those who also have family responsibilities. In this regard, we promote the development of skills that facilitate a balance between work and personal life, such as time management, online learning and work flexibility, the development of leadership and team-building skills, self-care and well-being, and, furthermore, the promotion of and raising awareness about an inclusive work culture when we collaborate with industry partners or employers.” –  Diana, please comment.

Contribution to Society

The impact Geek Girls Latam's impact on society is significant. By providing women with the tools and trust By providing the skills needed to enter the field of science and technology, the organization directly contributes to diversity and innovation in the industry. Furthermore, by breaking gender stereotypes With deep-rooted values, Geek Girls Latam is shaping a future where women play key roles in creating the next generation of technology.

Diana points out that:

“Being a Geek Girls Latam fellow means connecting with a group of professional women and leaders to grow together. In a recent survey conducted in our community, a 93% of women believe that having a mentor or role model is important for staying committed to their goals and professional growth in the world of science and technology. That is why this year we have strengthened our Mentoring Program, offering digital entrepreneurs and women in IT opportunities for growth through mentorship sessions with industry experts. We’ve been fortunate to involve corporate volunteers from strategic partners such as VISA, KAO US, Microsoft, Bosch, and Unilever, among others, in this process. This has enriched and elevated our mentoring program, making it highly sought after among our beneficiaries. 

Mentoring programs are valuable both for those who serve as experts in the subject areas and for those who receive this guidance. For the former, it’s a way to reconnect with their path and experience; for mentees, it’s a practical boost to connect with their future and create possibilities where there was once uncertainty. At Geek Girls Latam, we’re convinced that this will be a wonderful process where the mentees receive the necessary support to build on their projects through their leadership and talent.”

Impact Programs

In Geek Girls Latam They offer a series of programs that make a difference in the lives of girls and women by contributing to their well-being and personal and professional development, so they can pursue their dreams and careers in science and technology, thereby promoting equity and helping to close gaps. These programs include:

• • Appropriate: Program for the Social Adoption of Digital Skills. More than 600 vulnerable children have participated in this program.

  • STEAM Program: Vocational exploration program in STEAM fields for girls and teenagers. Over 1,700 participants reached.

  • Geek Girls Latam Chair: Women's Leadership and Empowerment Program. Over 150 women certified as STEAM Leaders.

  • Talents 4.0: Program to improve skills and competencies for the jobs of the future. +945 certifications earned.

• • Mentoring Program: Mentoring and support program for women in STEAM. Over 500 women mentored.

  • 360 Digital Security Academy: Digital Safety Program for children, administrators, teachers, and parents. Over 300 people are participating in the Digital Safety program.

Diana proudly points out:

“Through our portfolio, we make a significant contribution to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment in the STEAM disciplines. We also have a positive impact on society as a whole by promoting diversity and equal opportunities. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Gender Gap Report, “The percentage of women with degrees in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is 1.7%, compared to 8.2% for men with degreess, and in Engineering and Manufacturing: The figures are 24.6% for men and 6.6% for women.”, that’s why organizations like ours exist—there’s still a long way to go.”

Structuralia: Building an Equitable Future in the Professional World

Furthermore, Structuralia excels in the educational and professional spheres, offering training programs in engineering, construction, and energy. Through its commitment to gender diversity, Structuralia directly addresses the disparity that exists in STEM fields, opening doors for women to thrive in careers traditionally dominated by men. This initiative not only strengthens the presence of women in the workforce but also helps shift the narrative surrounding gender-based violence, demonstrating that Women can lead and succeed in any field.

For this reason, it is important for Structuralia to highlight and raise awareness of initiatives and platforms that share this mission, thereby making a contribution and having an impact on society. 

An educational and workplace vision free of gender-based violence

Both institutions share a vision of a world where women not only have access to educational opportunities and in the workplace, but they can also thrive without fear of gender-based violence. By promoting inclusion and equality from the outset, these initiatives play a crucial role in building a more just and safe society for women.