2024-08-27 22:46:28
The ninth face-to-face edition of the program DigiGirlzorganized by Landivar and Microsoftbrought together 350 girls and young Guatemalan women at an event that seeks to promote the STEM skills — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for its acronym in English—in the new generations. How cool! It was the ideal occasion to open new opportunities for the youth in the country.
Guatemalan girls participated in DigiGirlz 2024 talks
The DigiGirlz global initiative has a track record of more than 13 years in Central America and Guatemalapromoting and motivating technical education for girls and adolescents in the region. In this way, they seek to build a solid foundation for a brighter future for this population that is so important to our society. Through special talks and activities, young women can begin to prepare to face the challenges of globalized economies.
It was an event that took place in the auditorium of the Rafael Landivar University in Guatemala, with the assistance of 14 educational centers in the capital city, both public and private.
Erick Sosa, Country Manager of Microsoft Guatemala, explained: “It has been proven that the shortage of women in STEM industries and careers is closely related to the lack of role models. That is why DigiGirlz not only offers technological interaction activities, but also creates a space where young women can interact with prominent female leaders in the sector and female role models in these industries. This provides them with inspiration and allows them to plan their professional future with a more solid and up-to-date scientific and technological approach.”
Guatemalan leaders to speak at DigiGirlz 2024
To provide a stage for Guatemalan women to inspire younger generations, renowned leaders in the region gathered together to give talks at the event and share their stories in STEM careers:
- Claudia GrajedaCloud Solutions Architect at Crypto Cloud.
- Karen MoralesCoordinator of the Administrative and Financial Vice Rectorate of Rafael Landívar University.
- Ana Judith ChanNational Secretary of Science and Technology.
- Gabriela AsturiasGuatemalan scientist, medical student and president of the board of directors of FUNDEGUA.
In addition, a woman who has left a legacy outside of STEM careers was invited: Gisela Moralesa renowned Guatemalan swimmer who has represented the country at the Olympic Games. The athlete also shared an inspiring message about the importance of discipline, encouraging girls to strive for their goals.
Importance of involving girls and women in STEM careers
As an initiative created by Microsoft, DigiGirlz is aimed at school-aged youth, whether basic and diversifiedIts purpose is to motivate girls to get involved in the labor market focused on science, technology and mathematics.
Actions like these help to break down existing prejudices that hinder the future of the female sector in engineering and science areas, thus promoting inclusive and diverse spaces in companies and academia.
With the growing global demand for more people to get involved in these careers, young women can find in DigiGirlz a space that talks about important topics, such as advances in technology, artificial intelligence, code and computational thinking. An important step to empower Guatemalan girls and teenagers!
The program has held nine in-person editions in Guatemala, with the participation of more than 3,000 girls and young women. Three online editions have also been held, bringing together approximately 1,800 participants. Through these events, Microsoft strives to create greater representation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. Find out more details by visiting principal.url.edu.gt.