Conectadas Sureste
Compared to their male counterparts, relatively few women choose to study Information and Communications Technology (ICT) or STEM. Not surprisingly, this fact significantly reduces the presence of women in related jobs and results in lost business opportunities for women in the field. Lower qualifications among female graduates frequently result in low-quality employment and reduced transition to ICT or STEM pathways.
Although parents tell their children "you can do anything you want," they often suggest careers for their children—especially their daughters—that are founded on and enforce gender stereotypes. For that reason, young women may only allow themselves to dream of doing jobs that are considered “feminine.” For example, women may distance themselves from technical jobs in STEM and ICT because they are perceived by society as "a man's job. “Moreover, there is too often a lack of knowledge among women and parents about available careers—including salary ranges and the application process.
Through the Google Career Certificates program, IYF will strengthen the technical skills of young women from 16 to 29 years of age, focusing on promising and strategic career trajectories within the ICT industry in several states across Southeastern Mexico including, Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tabasco y Yucatán. To encourage and support their growth, we will provide young women with mentorship from accomplished female leaders working in the ICT and STEM sectors.
We will achieve success by furthering the development of socio-emotional skills using IYF’s ‘Passport to Success®’ life skills curriculum and IYF´s proven labor market transition workshops, wraparound services, awareness campaigns, and parental engagement strategies. This program will create sustainable support networks, mentorship opportunities, reference systems, job strategies, and career guidance curriculum designed specifically to support young women and their growth in the IT sector.
Together, we can impact the lives and livelihoods of young women by actively minimizing gender barriers for ICT-related training and job trajectories and increasing influential support for their futures.
"Google.org and Conectadas Sureste taught me that creating projects can turn dreams into reality. Thanks to them, I reached a new goal today, both as a woman and as a professional. I hope my story can inspire women and girls who are striving to change their lives. I am confident that we will succeed." -Nanci Garcia, Oaxaca. IT Support Professional Certificate Graduate
By 2024, Conectadas Sureste registered over 2027 participants with an impressive 74% retention rate. The program formed strategic partnerships with top educational and public institutions. The participants had varying education levels, with 49% having less than a high school diploma, and 7% having a bachelor's degree or higher. The age distribution ranged from under 18 (58%) to 25-34 (7%). Gender-wise, 92% of the participants were women, and 8% were men. Notably, 99% of participants came from low-income households, highlighting the program's dedication to inclusivity and socioeconomic support. Conectadas Sureste's influence underscores its mission of education and empowerment.
