Mexico Pushes to Close Gender Gap in STEM

A new IMCO shows that women remain underrepresented in STEM, despite representing the majority of college students. To address this problem, the country is intensifying efforts to expand women’s participation in STEM, aiming to strengthen innovation and competitiveness.

Mexico is intensifying efforts to expand women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as new data reveals persistent gaps between education and workforce representation. Government agencies, companies, and training organizations are aligning initiatives to increase female participation in high-growth sectors shaped by digital transformation and AI.

A study by the Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad (IMCO), developed in collaboration with Movimiento STEM+, found that women remain underrepresented in STEM careers despite forming the majority of university students. The report indicates that improving female participation in these disciplines could strengthen innovation, productivity, and long-term competitiveness.

Education Pipeline Limits STEM Participation

According to IMCO, women represented 54% of university enrollment during the 2024–2025 academic year. However, only one in three STEM students is female. The report notes that disparities begin early in the education system, particularly in mathematics performance, which influences career choices.

Data cited in the study shows that 69% of young women in Mexico do not reach fundamental math competencies, compared with 62% of young men. At advanced levels, the gap widens: three out of every 1,000 young men can solve complex math problems, compared with one out of every 1,000 young women. These differences contribute to lower female enrollment in engineering, information technology and related disciplines.

Women tend to concentrate in education, health sciences, and social sciences, while men enroll more frequently in information technology, engineering, manufacturing, and construction. Among the 10 most popular university degrees for women, only one belongs to STEM, while four of the top 10 degrees chosen by men fall into these areas.

Despite lower participation, STEM careers offer improved labor outcomes. IMCO reports that women with STEM degrees earn an average monthly salary of MX$16,993 (US$951.61), about 7.4% higher than women in other professions. Labor participation rises to 74% among female STEM graduates, compared with 46% among women overall. Formal employment also increases, with 77% of women in STEM working in the formal sector. However, a gender pay gap of 15% persists within STEM occupations.

Policy and Corporate Initiatives Expand Talent Pipelines

Government data indicates growing female participation in higher education. In 2025, women represented 57% of professional degrees and licenses issued in Mexico, according to the Ministry of Public Education. More than 1.1 million degrees were registered that year, suggesting a broader pool of potential STEM talent.

Mario Delgado, Mexico’s Minister of Public Education, says that increasing female participation in scientific and technological fields strengthens innovation and competitiveness. Nevertheless, international organizations point to persistent gaps. UNESCO estimates that women represent about 35% of STEM students globally, while participation in fields such as mechanical engineering and information technology often falls below 20%.

Companies are integrating diversity strategies into workforce planning. SAP Mexico has linked gender equity initiatives with digital transformation goals to address talent shortages. Paola Becerra, President, SAP Mexico, says leadership in technology requires strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, emphasizing the need to broaden talent pipelines as AI reshapes employment.

Laura Tamayo, Director of Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability, Bayer, describes low female participation in STEM as both a social inequality and an economic loss. She recommends strengthening early scientific education, expanding mentorship networks, implementing inclusive labor policies, and increasing women’s participation in innovation ecosystems.

Industry projections reinforce the urgency. The World Economic Forum estimates that six out of 10 workers will require reskilling before 2030. Analytical thinking, creativity, and resilience are among the most demanded competencies, increasing the importance of STEM training for future employment.

Workforce Training and Inclusion Efforts

Workforce development organizations are also addressing barriers to entry. Laboratoria, a social enterprise focused on women’s participation in the digital economy, reports that many women face underemployment, informal work and limited access to technical training. Ursula Quijano, Mexico Country Lead, Laboratoria, says the organization seeks to provide high-quality employment opportunities in technology-driven sectors.

Quijano notes that structural factors contribute to the gender gap, including unpaid care responsibilities and limited representation in STEM education. Women spend an average of four more hours per day on unpaid domestic work than men, which can limit career advancement. She adds that fewer than 30% of entry-level and managerial roles in technology are held by women, and less than one in five leadership positions are occupied by women.

Recognition programs are also promoting visibility for women in technical fields. 3M, for example, honored 25 women across Latin America for contributions to industrial transformation, including developments in circular materials, robotics, renewable energy integration, and medical diagnostics. The initiative highlighted women’s roles in improving efficiency, sustainability and safety in manufacturing.

Survey data referenced in 3M’s program indicates that 80% of Mexican adults would recommend working in manufacturing, and 83% believe the sector contributes positively to the national economy. Industry leaders said expanding women’s participation could strengthen competitiveness as production systems adopt automation and advanced materials.

Women entrepreneurs are also influencing regional development. Business networks such as the Mexican Association of Women Business Owners (AMMJE) support women-led companies through partnerships and supply chain integration. These organizations link entrepreneurship with innovation and job creation across sectors.

International organizations including the OECD and McKinsey Global Institute associate higher female participation in STEM with productivity gains. Women in STEM fields often earn higher wages, yet occupy a limited share of technical roles, suggesting untapped potential in Mexico’s labor market.

IMCO and Movimiento STEM+ said their collaboration will update gender indicators annually to monitor progress. The organizations recommend strengthening teacher training, expanding STEM content across educational levels, and increasing investment in higher education infrastructure.

As Mexico accelerates digital transformation, policymakers, companies, and training institutions are prioritizing women’s participation in STEM as a driver of workforce development. Expanded collaboration between education systems, employers, and skills programs may shape the availability of technical talent and influence innovation capacity in the coming years.