“These days, we are celebrating National Mathematics Week in honor of Guacolda Antoine, a distinguished Chilean mathematician who, throughout her life, broke gender barriers and made her mark—through talent and merit—in a highly male-dominated field.
It’s been 97 years since Guacolda earned her degree as a Mathematics and Physics teacher from the Pedagogical Institute of the University of Chile. But how much has changed since then regarding the gender distribution in mathematics-related fields?
The 2025 Gender Gaps in Higher Education Report, published by the Chilean Ministry of Education, reveals that women’s participation in STEM careers (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) remains low, reaching only 20%. Furthermore, the same report shows that the gender gap in mathematics results on the PAES (the national university entrance exam) increased by 125% between 2020 and 2024, to the detriment of female students.
This regression is not just a statistic—it reflects an inequality that, if left unaddressed, will continue to limit the opportunities of thousands of women. STEM careers, often described as the “professions of the future,” are among those with the most promising opportunities, and they hold the keys to addressing the major social and technological challenges ahead. It is essential that stories like Guacolda’s no longer be exceptions.
The good news is that, like this trailblazing mathematician, many women in Chile today are breaking stereotypes and dismantling gender barriers. They are young leaders in fields such as robotics, mechanics, technology, and artificial intelligence. These women often say that seeing other pioneers in these areas has been essential to inspiring their journey and strengthening their determination.
Through the campaign “Women Who Can Do It All”, supported by more than 20 organizations, we aim to spotlight these stories. Just like Guacolda, these role models can serve as inspiration for future generations of girls and young women—showing them that, just as others have done before them, they too can pursue their calling, make a positive impact with their talents, and change the world”.
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María Fernanda Orellana
Director of Education, Fundación Luksic
