STEM women: Four stories of talent and achievement

In 2014, the UN General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The aim was to highlight the importance of governments, institutions and companies around the world joining forces to encourage more girls to choose to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers. In the medium term, the aim was to achieve greater equality and balance between women and men in technology and science.

Over the last decade, although there has been progress, the data indicate that there is still a long way to go. In Spain, as in other developed countries, the presence of women in STEM careers and professions is still marked by a notable gender gap. Despite the fact that women represent 35% of students enrolled in these disciplines, their participation in areas such as information and communication technologies (ICT) is still minimal, reaching barely 3%. The lack of female role models, gender stereotypes and the scant promotion of these disciplines from an early age continue to be major barriers to equal access.

To get a closer look at this reality, UDIT had the opportunity to talk to three students (Icía Fernández, Myriam Collada and Laura Gómez) from different technological degrees at the university, as well as to Sandra Garrido, coordinator of the technology area.

Sandra Garrido: "I encourage technology students to look for female role models in the STEM field".

Sandra Garrido is one of the most recognised figures at UDIT. Coordinator of the university's technology area, she is also a lecturer on the degrees in Design and Development of Video Games and Virtual Environments, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Full-Stack Development. She also teaches on the Official University Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence.

Since she was a child, her favourite subject was mathematics and, at the age of 14, she decided she wanted to study telecommunications engineering. Later, on the advice of one of her teachers, she opted for a degree in mathematics and computer science. "Mathematicians solve problems using programming languages," his mentor explained to him.

He confesses that his beginnings were tough. During her first year at university she almost dropped out: "There were four or five of us girls in a class of about 40 people and I found the subjects I was studying turned my head upside down. However, she persisted and, after graduating, worked in different technology consultancies before joining UDIT.

On the gender gap in technology careers, she believes that biases start in childhood. "Logic, construction or engineering games tend to be more associated with boys, while girls are sold more toys related to fashion, care or decoration". In adolescence, this difference is exacerbated by stereotypes about mathematicians and engineers, often perceived as "geeky, introverted or weird", which can alienate many young girls.

She also highlights the dearth of female role models in technology, both in real life and in fiction. "Few films, books or video games feature women in the field of technology, and when they do, they rarely play a relevant role in the plot. For this reason, she particularly appreciates the writer Ali Hazelwood, who in her romance novels places women in the STEM world, with protagonists who are doctoral students and scientists. "Although it may seem silly, if you are in this field, it is a great joy to meet a female character who does the same as you".

In this sense, she stresses the importance of having female professors in these disciplines. "When you arrive at a degree where most of your classmates are men and you see a faculty with no women, you may feel out of place, as if this were not your world". However, having teachers who have travelled the same path can be a great source of inspiration and motivation.

On the positive side, she highlights the fact that in Spain there are more and more women leaders in technology and mentions figures such as Nerea Luis, Cristina Aranda, Verónica Pascual and Laia Subirats as examples of influential women in the sector.

As a teacher, she believes that the biggest challenge for female students is the belief that this field is not for them. "Gender does not predispose us to be better or worse at something. They should not underestimate their technical abilities, but fight for what they like and for the goals they want to achieve".

Icía Fernández: "With UDIT it was love at first sight".

Icía Fernández was clear from the beginning that she wanted to study a technical degree. Although she considered options such as computer engineering or robotics, it was her physics teacher in the second year of the baccalaureate who told her about UDIT and the possibility of entering the world of video game development. "It was love at first sight," she confesses.

Regarding the low presence of women in degrees such as artificial intelligence or programming, she believes that one of the main problems is the lack of female role models. "We often don't find an example to follow of a 'famous' or successful woman in a technological field", which can demotivate girls interested in these areas.

Since ESO, when she was able to choose technology electives, she found herself in classes with an overwhelming male presence. "Sometimes I was the only girl", she recalls, and she had to deal with various stereotypes. She also highlights the shortage of female teachers in the technology field, which makes it difficult for young women to have role models during their education. Although she considers that much progress has been made in this area, she acknowledges that "every day is a challenge".

Myriam Collada: "In technology you can find your true vocation".

Myriam Collada, a student of the Degree in Design and Development of Video Games and Virtual Environments at UDIT, explains that since she was a child she felt a great attraction for technology and is a great admirer of video game developers such as Scott Cawthon or Toby Fox, "because of what they have achieved with their effort and passion. I would like to inspire others as they have inspired me," she says.

Myriam is convinced that the lack of women in technology discourages others from trying. "It's a stereotypically male world and that can put a lot of women off," she says, but she believes that many would enjoy it if they were encouraged to overcome that first barrier.

For her, one of the biggest challenges she had to overcome was, precisely, having to integrate into a mostly male environment, something that was intimidating at first. However, she is proud to say that, once she overcame this initial impact, she has found "a great female role model in a teacher whom I admire" and who has encouraged her to develop her potential.

Laura Gómez: "Women bring diversity of thought and creativity".

Laura Gómez experienced a culture shock when she returned to Spain after spending two years in one of the most technological cities in the United States. To her surprise, she perceived a stark contrast and a sense of backwardness in the sector. Far from being discouraged, it was this experience that prompted her to make a firm commitment to technology.

On the low female presence in disciplines such as artificial intelligence, video game design or programming, she points out that gender stereotypes play a key role. "Mathematics, technology and engineering have always been associated with male characteristics, which discourages many girls from exploring these areas.

For girls considering a STEM career, she advises them to be confident in their abilities and not be intimidated. "You may feel like you don't fit in or doubt yourself, but remember that everyone starts from scratch and learning is a process.

She also encourages them to break stereotypes and recognise that their perspective is valuable: "Women bring diversity of thought and creativity to STEM fields. Your unique vision can solve problems in ways that no one else would have imagined".

A future with more STEM women

The voices of these students reflect both the challenges and opportunities that exist for women in science, technology and other STEM fields.

As the interviewees emphasise, having more female teachers, researchers and technology leaders is key for future generations to feel represented and motivated to follow this path. There is no doubt that education plays a key role in this change. Initiatives such as mentoring programmes, women in tech communities and inclusive spaces can make a difference in reducing inequality in these fields.

Despite the challenges, the landscape is changing. As they themselves affirm, the key is to trust in one's own talent, challenge prejudices and dare to try.