Paving the Way: Eliminating Gender Barriers in Technology

This is a submission for the WeCoded Challenge: Echoes of Experience

For a long time, careers in technology were perceived as a predominantly male world. However, that reality is changing, and more and more women are paving the way in this field. But, despite the progress, the numbers still reflect a considerable gap.

According to recent studies, a very low percentage of STEM professionals are women, and in Latin America, it's even lower. These statistics aren't just cold numbers; they represent stories, efforts, and challenges that many of us face daily. Today I want to share my experience and put a face to those numbers.

I've always believed that the most important thing is to be happy. It sounds cliché, but when you enjoy your work and love what you do, you don't feel like you're working; you're simply having fun. Of course, all jobs have their challenges. Real life isn't just happiness; there are also challenges, difficult moments, and even injustices. But when you dedicate yourself to something you're truly passionate about, everything becomes more bearable.

I decided to write to extend an invitation to seek what makes us happy, without fear of what others might say and without leaving our destiny in someone else's hands. It's also a call to awareness about the importance of equity in the workplace. I want to share my experience, those aspects that guided and helped me at the time, so that we can replicate them with new generations and with our colleagues, both men and women. And, like in the movie "Pay It Forward," let's triple the good we receive.

My Experience and the Beginning of My Journey

From my first steps in technology, I knew I wanted to be there; let's say I discovered it was my vocation. Throughout my career, I've gone through many roles: programmer, analyst, project manager, to leadership positions such as middle management, and in recent years serving as CTO. In most of these spaces, I've worked with predominantly male teams. I've always been proud of every opportunity I've had because I firmly believe that the best profile for a position is the one who truly deserves it, regardless of gender.
I never felt less than my colleagues, although I did notice that the path wasn't always the same. There were subtle differences, such as remuneration. In one of my past lives, I was in a team of four with the same role, same responsibility, same staff in charge, and my salary was the lowest, by a significant difference. My work was just as good, my preparation just as solid, but still, the gap existed. It has also happened that I've been spoken to in a different tone than the one used with my colleagues, or I was interrupted or sometimes pigeonholed, which at the time made my head explode, and I wondered, why?

Over time, I understood that what really changes things are our actions. When you demonstrate with your work who you are and what you're capable of doing, barriers begin to yield.

I've always been passionate about science and technology. I was about to become a chemical engineer, but a year before entering university, I radically changed course and chose computer science. I wouldn't change it for anything. To access the program that I considered most complete and appropriate at that time, I had to choose the most difficult path: traveling an hour and a half there and another back every day. Additionally, I entered a university where the number of women was minimal. That year, of the 99 accepted students, only 10 were women. Until that moment, it was the generation with the highest number of girls in the program, but, even so, the difference was evident.

Did anyone else feel afraid when entering university? For me, everything was new: an unknown environment, drastic educational changes, a different life than the one I knew, and, moreover, few female classmates with whom to share the experience. Of those 10 girls, I think I can count on one hand those who managed to make it to the end.

My first semester was terrible, like that of many new students. But I kept going, learned to handle my nerves, to show grit, and to continue to the next stage. And with great pride, I managed to graduate.

Of course, this achievement wasn't solitary. Family is key: those who believe in you and remind you that it's okay if you fail a course... or two... well, three. The important thing is not to give up. You always find classmates with whom to suffer and study late, with good background music, while finishing that project that defines your semester.

Data Reflecting Reality

Now that I've shared my experience, let's contrast it with some data from both my home country and Latin America.
When I entered university, only 10% of my classmates were women. Although this figure has improved over the years, the gender gap remains evident. According to studies conducted between 2021 and 2023, in Latin America only 35% of graduates in STEAM careers are women, and in computer science, the percentage is even lower. In engineering, for example, the figures vary: in Mexico, 31% of graduates are women, while in Chile and Peru the figure is around 25%. In Costa Rica, depending on the university, between 25% and 30% of women manage to complete their studies and obtain a degree in engineering, according to data from the National Council of Rectors.
This behavior hasn't always been the case. According to Women in Tech, before the year 2000, female participation in these careers was just 9%, a figure that coincides with my personal experience.

But the challenge doesn't end with education. In the workplace, the gap persists. According to a 2020 IDB study, in Latin America less than 30% of ICT positions are occupied by women. In Costa Rica, female participation in technical roles is 35%.

One of the most discouraging aspects is the wage gap: same work, same responsibilities, but lower pay. In Costa Rica, this difference ranges between 15% and 20%, while at the regional level, the wage disparity varies between 17% and 30%.

In addition to numerical challenges, many women face cultural and behavioral barriers in their work environment. According to the Women in Tech 2025 survey, 64% of women report having been interrupted by their colleagues while presenting their ideas, and 19% have been pigeonholed into gender stereotypes.

These data reflect that, although we have advanced, there is still much to do to achieve true equity in the technology sector.

Evolution and Learning

In my work life, I consider myself fortunate. Not everything has been rosy, but I've always approached things with passion. I've learned from the best and have had the opportunity to evolve, grow, and develop. Some of my bosses, both men and women, were wonderful: they supported me when I really made mistakes, taught me to trust my instincts and my knowledge, and showed me that the way you treat others and your attitude are even more important than perfect technical knowledge.

In recent years, I learned that teaching is also a way of learning. I discovered that I'm passionate about explaining, working with the community, and giving talks. Fortunately, I found the perfect support to start that path. It's incredible how sharing knowledge can bring together people who, otherwise, might never have crossed paths, but who share the same interest: technology.

More Than Numbers: Factors Impacting Choice and Permanence in STEAM
Access to adequate family conditions and equality environments significantly influences a woman's decision to choose a career in STEAM.

Young women who feel confident in their abilities during high school are more likely to lean towards these areas, and access to quality education at home reinforces this choice.

According to studies, 70% of women who opt for STEAM do so out of vocation. However, beyond personal interest, there are key factors that favor their permanence in these careers:

• The influence of high school teachers who promote participation in science, technology, and mathematics activities without gender distinction.
• The presence of female professors at the university, who act as references and role models.
• Inclusive work environments that provide equal opportunities to reach leadership positions.

These factors, combined with a society that promotes equity, can make a big difference in reducing the gender gap in technology.

Call to Action

I share all this because I want to call you to action. Based on my experience and statistics, I invite you to:

• Those who have already advanced along the path share your experiences with those coming behind. Not only to inspire but to help them avoid the obstacles that we, men and women, have faced.
• To parents let's motivate children to forget stereotypes, to let our little ones be whatever they want to be.
• Let's open spaces for younger people to find open doors where we can share knowledge and where talent can develop and multiply.
• Let's motivate girls to empower themselves to choose their path with courage, to follow their passion without fear. Don't let others decide for them or let voices of hate tell them what they can or cannot do. The future is theirs, and they can conquer it.
• If you're in a position of influence use that opportunity to promote equity. If you notice a gap, act, it's black or white, it's correct or not. Same work, same pay; talent, responsibility, attitude, and effort make the difference, not gender.
• If someone was a beacon on your path be that light for someone else let's multiply the good and leave a mark that makes a difference; it's our duty to replicate what others did for us.
• To those who are just starting fight for what you are passionate about. Ask yourself: What makes me happy? And go for it. Participate in community; in community, we all grow more and faster, it's very satisfying, and the journey is more bearable. To those of us on the path, the challenges of technology.
• For ourselves let's keep learning, eliminate the fear of failure, improve a little each day; it's the difference between being good and being great.

A More Inclusive Future

In this Women's Month, my message is clear: let's continue choosing our destiny, breaking barriers with our talent, and creating a world where success has no gender. Technology needs diversity, and together we can make a difference.
The future is in our hands. Let's make it count!

References

• Women in the Technology Industry. (n.d.). Deloitte Costa Rica. https://www2.deloitte.com/cr/es/pages/technology-media-and-telecommunications/articles/mujeres-en-la-industria-tecnologica.html

• Zunini, P. (2024b, December 5). A report reveals the gender gaps that persist in technology careers in Latin America. Infobae. https://www.infobae.com/educacion/2024/12/05/un-informe-revela-las-brechas-de-genero-que-persisten-en-las-carreras-tecnologicas-en-america-latina/

• The participation of women in STEM areas in higher education. (2021). In State Of Education (pp. 321–352) [Book-chapter]. https://repositorio.conare.ac.cr/bitstream/handle/20.500.12337/8538/PEN_Informe_estado_educacion_cap_6_2023.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

• Radulovski, A. (2025, February 16). Women in Tech Stats 2025. Women in Tech Network. https://www.womentech.net/women-in-tech-stats#:~:text=Additionally%2C%2057%25%20of%20women%20in,4912%20profiles%20from%2054%20companies.