Women in STEM: What North America Needs to Reach Its Potential

Much has been written about the active presence of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in the economy. Today, it is known that this participation is essential for innovation and the sustainable growth of companies, and there are numerous economic and financial analyses that back this statement. 

In the current context, where North American and regional investment flows seem to be favorably pointing toward our country, the inclusion of women — especially those in STEM fields — is crucial. Why? Because with the development and establishment of businesses in Mexico, the demand for highly skilled talent will become the norm. We are already witnessing its effects: the competition among Industry 4.0 companies is, to say the least, fierce.

In the Mexico and North America context, the situation reveals shared challenges: according to data from IMCO, 3 out of every 10 STEM professionals in Mexico are women. This figure slightly surpasses that of the United States (28%) but falls short of the 34% of women holding technological roles in Canada.

The reality is that there is still a long way to go. The gender gap persists, and closing it is not only an ethical imperative but also a business strategy that will unlock the potential of the available regional talent. This is where active inclusion can make a difference.

But what does this inclusion entail? Firstly, a change in mentality: there are no "careers for men" or "careers only for women." This paradigm shift goes beyond a social imperative; it is an intelligent economic strategy. And we simply can’t say “no” to economic competitiveness. I will share advice from the corporate perspective on how we can achieve this shift.

Promoting educational programs from early stages is crucial to inspire girls to consider STEM careers as viable options. Investing in extracurricular activities, science and technology camps, and collaborations with educational institutions can be concrete steps toward creating a solid foundation for future female leaders in technology.

On the other hand, there are salary policies: STEM salaries are much higher than those in other industries. In Mexico, for every 100 pesos a male STEM professional earns, a woman earns 82 pesos, compared to the 78 pesos in other fields. Expanding opportunities for women and their families will create a virtuous circle of education, prosperity, and development.

Furthermore, as representatives of the business sector, we must review hiring and promotion policies. This will ensure the elimination of systemic barriers limiting the professional advancement of women in our organizations. Similarly, it is imperative to prioritize internal mentoring programs and professional development with networking for women engineers, scientists, or researchers.

Moreover, the inclusion of women in our industries not only benefits the business but also has a positive impact on brand perception and relationships with our stakeholders. Companies that foster inclusive work environments build a stronger connection with their communities and position themselves as leaders with a social business dimension.

However, recommendations to promote female STEM talent must go beyond internal company policies. Collaboration between the private sector, educational institutions, and governments is essential to create an optimal ecosystem.

Let's take the case of the border between Mexico and the United States. Entities like Coahuila or Nuevo Leon invest more in STEM than southern states. If we add the necessity for professionals to be bilingual, the challenge is doubled for "less STEM" states. Therefore, creating research programs specifically directed at women can make a difference in the participation and retention of female talent in these disciplines. No wonder a woman is poised to lead the new Tesla factory in Nuevo Leon ... 

To ensure these points are not just good intentions, it is crucial to challenge and change ingrained gender stereotypes. Creating awareness programs and activities that debunk the perception that STEM careers are exclusive to men is essential to attract and retain women in these disciplines. Additionally, we need more men to actively engage in the issue from each of our positions.

The goal is to create a level playing field for women to have equal opportunities. In fact, with greater well-being and gender equality, women may not even choose a STEM career, given that social and economic conditions are equal to those of men. This ability to choose is what NGOs and leaders of the women in STEM movement have emphasized repeatedly. Today, it is our turn to listen and support.

I would like to emphasize that the participation of women in STEM is an economic and social priority in Mexico and North America. Fully leveraging the innovative potential of a diverse workforce can lead the region to a new chapter of development, where women in STEM are true catalysts for success.