Kyndryl, Papalote Launch Initiative to Inspire Girls in STEM

Kyndryl México and Papalote Museo del Niño launched Conectadas, an educational initiative designed to bring science and technology closer to girls and reduce gender gaps in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The program introduces participants to robotics and digital skills at an early age, aiming to build long-term interest in technical careers.

The collaboration seeks to address one of Mexico’s most persistent inequalities: limited female participation in STEM. According to the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), only three of every 10 professionals in STEM are women. Studies by UNICEF and the OECD, indicate that gender gaps begin early. At age 15, 28% of boys expect to pursue a career in science or engineering, compared with just 9% of girls. The lack of early exposure, combined with cultural stereotypes and limited vocational guidance, has long-term implications for women’s economic opportunities and representation in high-growth industries.

Conectadas offers free weekend workshops where girls aged eight to 10 design and build functional robots using real tools and software. The 2025 edition engaged 135 participants, selected from more than 400 applicants. The program was delivered by 40 Kyndryl volunteers who provided technical guidance in basic mechanics, electronics, and programming.

“Curiosity in science and computational thinking must be nurtured from elementary school with projects that show how technology can solve real problems,” says Carlos Marcel, General Manager in México, Kyndryl, as cited by Expansión. “Exposing girls to STEM early creates opportunities for them to become tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, and technologists.”

These programs must begin before stereotypes solidify, says Alejandra Cervantes, Director General, Papalote Museo del Niño. “We need to double efforts to get girls involved not only in professional careers, but in the subjects themselves: physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The barriers must be broken from primary school,” she says. 

“Promoting educational programs from early stages is crucial to inspire girls to consider STEM careers as viable options,” says Carlos López, General Manager, KTSA, for MBN. 

The initiative aligns with growing international concern over the misalignment between education and labor market needs. A recent OECD analysis found that career aspirations among 15-year-olds have changed little in 20 years, despite the transformation of the global economy. Across OECD countries, half of girls expect to enter only 10 traditional professions, such as teaching and medicine, while few show interest in technology or engineering. This disconnect limits economic growth and reinforces occupational segregation. “To increase that 8% of Mexican girls wanting to study STEM disciplines, it is critical that change begins with education and awareness from an early age,” says Geny Oceguera, HR Director, Samsung Electronics Mexico, to MBN. 

In Mexico, the consequences of this imbalance extend into the labor market. Although women in STEM fields earn on average 24% more than in other disciplines, they represent only 13% of STEM jobs and 15.5% of positions in the country’s technology sector, according to INEGI and the Inter-American Development Bank. Experts warn that automation and AI could deepen these disparities unless more women are trained in digital and technical skills.

UNESCO reports that women account for 33% of researchers worldwide and just 22% in AI. The agency emphasizes that early exposure and mentorship are decisive factors in sustaining women’s participation. Regional efforts, such as Mexico’s Conectadas, illustrate how local partnerships between companies, educational institutions, and civil organizations can bridge opportunity gaps.

Corporate initiatives also play a growing role. Samsung Mexico’s Solve for Tomorrow and Merz Aesthetics Latam’s internal mentoring networks both promote leadership and visibility for women in science and technology. “Scientific research is not exempt from the gender stereotypes present in other workplaces,” says Monalisa Bocchi, Senior Medical Manager, Merz Aesthetics Latam, noting that continued awareness and mentoring are key to achieving parity.

Business leaders agree that fostering inclusion in STEM is both a social and economic imperative. “Including more women in science and technology is not only a matter of social justice; it’s a smart strategy to ensure an equitable and sustainable future,” writes Tania Beltrán Castillo, Researcher, CIEP.