Costa Rican women workforce inclusion

Through collaborative innovation, Ideas en Acción continues to create opportunities aimed at closing the gender gap in STEAM fields by strengthening the skills, confidence, and professional pathways of young women across Costa Rica.

Over the past months, we ahave expanded our learning and professional development opportunities through strategic partnerships with companies and organizations committed to fostering diverse talent in technology. One of these initiatives was the Women in Data Bootcamp: Working in Tech & Introduction to AI for Data Analysis, organized in collaboration with Hakkoda. During this experience, participants explored the foundations of working in the technology sector while gaining practical knowledge on how artificial intelligence can support data analysis and decision-making.

We also strengthened pathways for technical training and certifications. Through the support of Microsoft Student Ambassador Ximena Molina, herself a participant in one of our programs, young women in our network gained access to technology certification opportunities that help them continue developing competitive technical profiles. In collaboration with GBM, participants were also able to join the Technical Program in Introduction to Computing, designed to strengthen foundational digital and technical skills for those interested in starting or advancing their journey in the technology sector.

Beyond technical training, we continue to support the holistic professional development of the young women in Red MenTe. This included a workshop on Salary Negotiation led by Sharon Romero, where participants gained practical tools to confidently navigate professional conversations and advocate for their value in the workplace. In addition, through our partnership with EMEGE Academy, we launched the third edition of our language access program, offering English and Portuguese courses to strengthen communication skills that are essential for professional growth in global technology environments.

We also created spaces for connection and inspiration through in-person activities. In collaboration with PedidosYa, we organized a workshop focused on Female Leadership and Women in Data, bringing participants together to reflect on leadership, share experiences, and connect with women professionals working in the tech industry.

A key milestone in expanding access to learning opportunities has been our partnership with Cisco Networking Academy, which allows us to open free technology courses for the young women in our network. This year, participants have enrolled in programs such as Introduction to Cybersecurity, Introduction to Modern AI, C++ Essentials 1 and 2, JavaScript Essentials 1 and 2, Python Essentials 1 and 2, English for IT 1, and AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild. These courses provide accessible pathways for participants to strengthen their technical knowledge and develop globally relevant digital skills.

Through these initiatives, we continue working toward a future where more young women feel empowered to explore, learn, and lead in technology. Each opportunity offered represents another step toward building a more inclusive STEAM ecosystem where talent can grow and thrive.

Through collaborative innovation, Ideas en Acción has focused on creating programs aimed at closing the gender gap in STEAM fields. Here’s what we’ve achieved in the last months:

The 27th edition has already taken place, with 42 women from different parts of the country graduating. They worked in 8 teams to develop 8 mobile app prototypes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. They developed solutions to address problems related to different SDGs over nine weeks. Through technology, these women were empowered and learned the basics of programming, gaining the opportunity to enter the STEAM world and explore what it could mean for their future careers. In this edition, we totaled over 1,175 volunteer hours, including technical mentoring for app programming, Design Thinking for prototype ideation, and photography to capture the experience. Additionally, we were sponsored by Procter & Gamble, IBM, and the United States Embassy in Costa Rica. Through partnerships with Efecto Boomerang, Universidad Fidélitas and, and we received further support.

Red MenTe: We strived to provide monthly activities tailored to the various interests and needs of the young women in our Red MenTe network, most of whom are beginning their professional and academic journeys. In total we offered them 29 activities through the year. We have started with the program Employability Boost; it is designed for women graduates of MenTe, with the goal of boosting their employability in the tech sector. Over the course of 15 weeks, from August to November, participants will receive intensive training in key areas of technology such as Cybersecurity, Networking & Network Engineering, and Data Content & AI.

This practical, specialized approach aims to strengthen their technical skills, enabling them to access high-impact job opportunities in a highly competitive sector. Additionally, the program will provide tools to expand their professional network and equip them with the knowledge needed to stand out in a constantly evolving job market. Throughout August and September, and in collaboration with companies and universities, we organized a variety of activities aimed at supporting professional growth, enhancing communication skills, and providing exposure to the tech industry. Among them was a visit to Thermo Fisher, where participants had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the company’s operations and work culture. We also held an interactive session with Experian & Gritalo, focused on empowering participants through self-expression and confidence-building. In collaboration with Accenture, we offered 1:1 English coaching sessions to help strengthen language skills in a professional context. Additionally, the "Talento en Acción" workshop provided valuable tools for both personal and career development.

These activities were made possible thanks to the support of current and potential partner organizations, as well as volunteers from companies and universities committed to fostering talent in the tech ecosystem. Our focus for 2025 is the development of knowledge in STEAM and employability skills. This will be achieved through activities such as visits to tech companies, certifications in technologies like Power BI, AI-900, AZ-900 SC-900, webinars on how to apply for jobs in tech companies, and more. We are currently developing new partnerships to enhance the employability profile of the women in the Network.

Links:

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