Mexico Boosts Women’s Role in STEM to Strengthen Innovation

In 2025, women accounted for 57% of professional degrees and licenses issued in Mexico, signaling a historic increase in female participation in higher education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Officials and industry leaders say this trend reflects growing efforts to close gender gaps in STEM fields.

The Ministry of Public Education (SEP) reports that in 2025 over 700,000 professional licenses were processed, and over 1.1 million degrees were registered, with women representing 57% of the total. Women also earned licenses and degrees in military-related fields, marking a step toward diversifying professional spaces. Mario Delgado, Minister of Public Education, credited this progress to policies promoting gender equity, modernization of administrative processes, and expanded access to higher education under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.

“The greater presence of women in scientific and technological areas strengthens innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development,” Delgado says. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging girls and young women to pursue scientific vocations from early ages and supporting their educational trajectories. 

Despite these advances, structural gaps persist. According to UNESCO, only 35% of students in STEM programs are women, and in areas such as mechanical engineering, IT, or pure mathematics, female representation can fall below 20%. INEGI data show that women make up about 30% of the technology workforce, with even fewer in leadership or research roles. “The low presence of women in STEM is not only a persistent inequality, but also an economic and strategic loss for the country,” says Laura Tamayo, Director of Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability, Bayer.

The OECD and McKinsey Global Institute say that increased female participation in STEM drives productivity, innovation, and economic growth. Tamayo recommends four strategic actions for 2026: integrating scientific education from primary school, establishing mentorship and scholarship networks, implementing inclusive labor policies in strategic sectors, and ensuring women’s meaningful participation in innovation ecosystems.

Sector-specific challenges also highlight the importance of technical training. Ana Muñoz, Director,  Mujeres WIM de México, points to mining as a field facing growing operational complexity, digital transformation, and social scrutiny. She says continuous technical preparation is a strategic investment. Fewer than 25% of women in mining occupy technical or technological roles, and only 40% of companies offer targeted training programs. “The organizations that learn the fastest will operate better, innovate with greater confidence, and maintain legitimacy to grow,” she adds.

Corporate and civil society initiatives are also helping bridge the gap at earlier stages. Kyndryl México and Papalote Museo del Niño, for example, launched Conectadas, a program introducing girls aged eight to 10 to robotics and digital skills. The 2025 edition engaged 135 participants selected from over 400 applicants, guided by 40 Kyndryl volunteers. “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, Kyndryl México. 

Industry leaders note that closing the STEM gender gap is both a social and economic imperative. Women in STEM earn on average 24% more than in other fields, yet occupy only 13% of STEM jobs and 15.5% of technology sector positions in Mexico. Programs such as Samsung Mexico’s Solve for Tomorrow and internal mentoring networks at Merz Aesthetics Latam complement educational efforts by promoting leadership and visibility for women in science and technology.

Experts agree that 2026 presents a strategic opportunity for Mexico to leverage female talent in high-growth sectors. By combining policy reforms, corporate initiatives, and early educational programs, the country can strengthen innovation, enhance competitiveness, and expand economic growth while advancing gender equity in STEM fields.