In Antofagasta, only 22.57% of students enrolled in STEM degrees are women, but it has been shown that more and more young people are choosing these types of degrees, both because of high job demand and opportunities for professional growth. In response to this, more than 300 students from 19 schools in Antofagasta and Mejillones participated in this meeting organized by the Luksic Foundation and the Volando en V Foundation.
“Today, there is a huge gap in female participation in STEM careers, which is why we believe it is essential to work constantly to encourage more women to pursue careers in this area and improve their life trajectories. These types of events fill us with enthusiasm when we see so many young women interested in careers related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics because it promotes innovation and, in a few years, will have the higDuring the day, they were able to connect between young people from different schools in the region and carry out activities that sought to generate opportunities for reflection and empowerment. In this sense, based on their realities and perceptions, they were able to identify some barriers that exist for women in STEM careers and then analyze their scope with key tools to overcome them. The event also featured Katherine Vergara, also known as STEMtivista, an expert in STEM education management with a number of national and international awards in the field, who pointed out that “all we need is passion and to believe that we can do it. We have the power; the important thing is to define our dreams and be able to follow them.” hest employability,” reflects Fernanda Orellana, Director of Education at the Luksic Foundation.
“The most important thing is for more women to believe they can do it, to know they have those options. Sometimes the alternatives are very limited, and that’s often why they don’t dare, but if they know they have that possibility, they can choose to take it. Having women in that field (STEM) is very important for having more perspectives and a Chile that prospers more,” says Valentina, a 10th-grade student at the Liceo de Estudios Contables y Administrativos Lecya.
Andrea Henríquez, executive director of Fundación Volando en V, reflects that: “To break down barriers and go further, individual reflection is not enough; we have to unite as women. That is why an event like this is especially relevant, particularly in the Antofagasta Region, because when we come together as women and put our potential into practice, that is when we inspire each other and go out to change the world.”
High employability in STEM sectors, the need to innovate to solve complex problems, and the perception that these skills are key to a professional future are some of the reasons why more and more young people are choosing this path. “We have complete confidence in the talent of our students, which is why events like this, where we promote confidence in them, are so enriching for women who want to pursue STEM careers,” said the director of education at the Luksic Foundation.