Intelligent CIO LATAM Issue 37 | Page 28

Diversity

EDITOR ’ S QUESTION

HOW RELEVANT IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY IN 2024 ?

Now in its 12th year voices from the ‘ frontline ’ make the case for International Women in Engineering Day marking the contributions that women engineers make to the tech sector every day – and what ’ s still needed to overcome its gender gap .
BARKHA HERMAN , DEVELOPER ADVOCATE , STARTREE

“ is crucial for driving innovation , not just a buzzword . When women and underrepresented groups get equal opportunities , their unique perspectives propel technology forward , creating more inclusive products . For instance , a woman-led company transformed defense robots into the first autonomous vacuum cleaners for homes . Diversity builds our future across industries and in our daily life . We must continue breaking barriers and stereotypes to inspire future generations of women to pursue engineering and STEM careers .

As a Developer Advocate and a Woman in Engineering , visibility is key . Being seen on conference stages and behind the scenes normalizes women ’ s presence in tech , making it easier for others to follow . It ’ s about showcasing the diverse skills and viewpoints women bring to the table . Our achievements , whether highlighted or behind the scenes , are crucial to industry progress . We need to support and celebrate each other , fostering an environment where everyone can thrive .
Creating equal opportunities in engineering and STEM is not just right ; it ’ s smart business . Embracing diversity and inclusion taps into the full potential of our talent pool , driving innovation and growth . Let ’ s keep advocating for change , inspiring future generations , and celebrating the contributions of women in engineering today and every day .”
28 INTELLIGENTCIO LATAM www www . . intelligentcio . com . com