“Women are educated to be perfect, affecting our confidence when taking on new challenges.”
Viviana Ottone, CTO at PassApp.
Progress and Challenges in Diversity
While there have been notable advances in diversity, certain sectors still struggle to keep pace with these changes. For instance, the technology field has seen improved conditions for women, yet they continue to face obstacles that hinder their growth in software development. Men have historically dominated systems engineering, from educational institutions to workplaces and leadership positions. Closing the gender gap in tech involves overcoming deeply rooted challenges like limited job opportunities and barriers to leadership roles. They also face gender bias, salary disparities, and, in many cases, discrimination and prejudice.
“Preventing prejudice is the first step to growth in technology.”
Carla Grande Cámara, tribe tech lead at Banco Galicia.
The World We Leave Behind
Women encounter social and cultural barriers when trying to enter spaces statistically dominated by men. According to research by Chicas en Tecnología (CeT) in Argentina, only 33% of STEM career enrollments are female, and this number drops to 16% for programming-related fields. In the workforce, a 2020 study by the Permanent Observatory of Software and Computer Services (OPSSI) revealed that women hold just 30% of jobs in Argentina’s software industry. Similarly, research by the L’Oréal Foundation found that women’s roles in science and technology are often secondary, with only one in ten high-level positions occupied by women. In Argentina, women represent between 10% and 20% of the tech company workforce, according to Tiendanube data.
These statistics don’t reflect a lack of interest or motivation. Instead, they highlight the impact of social and cultural conditioning on women’s education and career choices.
Personal Experiences and Insights
Conversations with friends and colleagues reveal recurring stories and shared challenges in the tech profession. Viviana Ottone, CTO of PassApp with over 20 years of experience, notes that women’s aversion to risk is a recurring issue: “Men are taught to be bold and allowed to make mistakes. Women feel they must be perfect, which affects their confidence when taking on new challenges.” Ottone emphasizes that breaking down these prejudices is a collective task for both genders.
Another critical issue is the narrow perception of technology. Many people associate “technology” solely with “coding,” overlooking the wide range of opportunities within the field. “It’s essential to broaden these concepts,” adds Ottone, “There are many areas of application, and like other professions, technology needs to be interdisciplinary.”
Cintia González, a mentor at CeT and product designer at Platzi, echoes this sentiment: “It’s not just about programming. There are many paths to enter the tech world. In job interviews, challenges often focus more on problem-solving than technical knowledge, as technical skills can be learned.”
Experience is invaluable in any profession. “Women have the potential to excel in various roles, from programming languages to management positions such as project manager or scrum master,” González highlights. Soft skills are equally crucial, as Carla Grande Cámara, tribe tech lead at Banco Galicia, points out: “Technological knowledge and team management skills are both essential.”
“In IT, the ability to solve problems is valued and learned in action.”
Cintia González, product designer at Platzi.
Reducing the Gender Gap
Today, reducing the gender gap should be a priority for all companies, especially in startups and tech industries, where women face numerous obstacles in achieving their personal and professional goals. Fortunately, the sector is evolving, and Coderio, founded in 2017, was born with a solid commitment to human rights, equity, and respect for diversity and minorities.
The World to Come
We are at a turning point where we must break existing paradigms and take action. The first step is to create initiatives that raise awareness of these issues. These efforts should contribute to building an inclusive ecosystem with a gender perspective, supported by policies and practices that drive change.
“Believing in ourselves, supporting each other, and overcoming prejudices that hold us back is the starting point for growth in technology,” says Grande Cámara. “Theory alone is not enough,” adds Ottone, “We must support young people through their experiences.”
Communities play a vital role in this effort. “Chicas en Tecnologia, Mujeres en Tecnologia, Women Who Code, Chicas Programando, and others are key today because they help young women enter the tech world, connect with mentors, and access job opportunities, events, and knowledge exchanges,” says González.
Leadership and Future Opportunities
As a woman and co-founder of a technology startup, I believe leadership roles must actively support the next generation by showing them opportunities and encouraging them to find their own paths. This means more than just offering guidance. It involves being a role model, fostering a culture of inclusion. While also actively working to dismantle the barriers that have historically excluded underrepresented groups from the tech industry.
Tech leadership must proactively create a welcoming and supportive environment where diverse voices are heard and valued. This includes advocating for policies that promote work-life balance and ensuring fair hiring practices. It also includes providing mentorship programs that help young professionals navigate their careers. Leaders can cultivate a new generation of innovators by championing these efforts. This generation will not only be skilled but also empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
At Coderio, we strive for equal opportunities for all team members, regardless of gender, age, culture, ethnicity, or social class. We believe that diversity is a strength that drives innovation and creativity. To support this belief, we have implemented several key initiatives to ensure equity within our organization.
Equitable Benefits and Compensation
We ensure that all employees receive equitable benefits and compensation. This involves regularly reviewing salaries and working conditions to identify and address disparities. By maintaining transparency in our compensation practices and conducting regular audits, we can ensure that all team members are rewarded fairly for their contributions.
Inclusive Hiring Practices
We designed our hiring practices to attract a diverse pool of candidates. We actively seek talent from various backgrounds and experiences, recognizing that diverse teams are more innovative and effective. This includes partnering with organizations that promote diversity in tech and attending job fairs aimed at underrepresented groups. Additionally, it implements blind hiring techniques to minimize unconscious bias.
Mentorship and Professional Development
We offer robust mentorship and professional development programs to support the growth and advancement of all employees. Mentorship pairs less experienced team members with seasoned professionals who can provide guidance, share insights, and help navigate career paths. Additionally, we provide ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure our team stays at the forefront of technological advancements.
Supportive Work Environment
Creating a supportive work environment is a cornerstone of our approach at Coderio. This includes fostering a culture of respect and inclusion where everyone feels valued and heard. We have established employee resource groups and a Diversity and Inclusion Committee that provide safe spaces for discussion and support. These groups play a crucial role in advising leadership on diversity issues and helping to implement inclusive practices.
Flexible Work Policies
Understanding that work-life balance is essential for employee well-being, we offer flexible work policies that accommodate different needs and lifestyles. Whether it’s remote work options, flexible hours, or parental leave policies, we aim to create an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
Community Engagement
We believe in giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Coderio participates in outreach programs and sponsors tech workshops for underrepresented groups. It also collaborates with educational institutions to encourage young people, especially girls and minorities, to pursue careers in technology.
Moving Forward: Closing the gender gap in tech
Our efforts make Coderio an ideal place for professional development. It is a flexible, welcoming environment where all voices are heard. Today, 27% of our team comprises talented women, a promising figure considering industry reports.
We continuously plan initiatives to support and represent all team members, such as our recently established Diversity and Inclusion Committee, a supportive space for the LGBTQIA+ community aimed at strengthening ties and providing safety and trust.
Coderio is one of many companies committed to providing equal opportunities through a broad and diverse gender perspective. It welcomes women, trans, and non-binary individuals into the tech industry. However, our commitment to equal opportunities and a supportive work environment is not just about meeting current needs but also about shaping the future of the tech industry. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we can drive innovation and ensure that our products and services reflect our diverse world.
Women must step up and take risks, even if it means making mistakes. We’ve been taught to seek perfection and choose careers that suit us—it doesn’t have to be that way! We can learn, make mistakes, change our minds, and forge our paths. The IT world is vast, and there is something for everyone. Doubt only distracts us from our potential!
We invite you to join us on this journey. At Coderio, we are building a community where everyone has the chance to succeed, and we are excited about what the future holds. Whether you are just starting your career or are an experienced professional looking for a place that values diversity and inclusion, we welcome you to be part of our team and help us shape the future of technology. If you’re thinking of expanding your knowledge and challenging yourself in technology, Coderio is waiting for you. Join our diverse and professional team, comprised of talent from around the world!
