In May 2025, Colombia's unemployment rate was 11.6% for women, compared with 7.1% for men. Women continue to face barriers to economic opportunity but you can help change this reality. Makaia's Bootcamp equips women from vulnerable backgrounds with hands-on training in in-demand IT skills and employability skills needed to pursue careers in this sector, while helping close Colombia's gender gap in IT. Help them build the skills and confidence needed to access to income-generating opportunities.
In Colombia, approximately half of young people lack formal employment, and women are disproportionately affected, accounting for 67% of this group. This employment gap deepens inequality and poverty, while women face additional barriers such as caregiving responsibilities, gender stereotypes, and limited access to training and professional opportunities. This is particularly visible in STEM: only 2 in 10 women pursue careers in science and technology, and women hold just 17% of positions in IT.
Makaia's bootcamp equips young women from low-income backgrounds with in-demand IT skills in data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, alongside employability and life skills. Through hands-on, mentor-led training, participants learn by doing, build portfolios and connect with employers. Across the program, 60% of graduates have secured employment within six months-helping open pathways to quality jobs in Colombia's growing tech sector.
Equipping young women with in-demand technology skills and access to employment opportunities can create lasting change beyond the individual. As they enter the digital workforce, they can become role models and change agents in their communities, helping challenge gender stereotypes and inspiring others to pursue IT careers. By connecting training to real opportunities in the IT sector, our bootcamp can help women build economic independence and strengthen their prospects for social mobility.
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