Conectadas (2022–present)

In 2021, the Mexican Bureau of Statistics reported that a limited number of women chose formal, informal, or complementary studies in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), which significantly reduced the female presence in related jobs (17%). The number of women in this sector is growing (26.8%); however, the sector now has more than 140,000 vacancies which are not being filled.
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) has been implementing the "Conectadas" Program since January 2022. Based on the success of this program, Google.org has increased and expanded efforts to the States of Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan, a region of Mexico that experiences greater cultural and economic challenges than the rest of the country.
IYF's "Conectadas Sureste," through a 3-year strategic intervention (July 2022 to July 2025), will connect 2,300 underrepresented young women ages 16-29 from the Southeast region to basic, well-paying jobs in the digital economy. In addition to providing them with technical skills certifications (Google career certificates), which are highly valued in the industry, this program will provide comprehensive support (socio-emotional and employability skills), guidance, and mentoring as well as an awareness campaign to sensitize parents, employers, and civil society about gender and cultural biases.
With support from