The event counted with the outstanding participation of women leaders and experts in the field of telecommunications and technology from Movistar, UDB and the association Muchas Más, who are actively working to close the digital gap that still exists in the country.

“At Movistar Empresas we are committed to female empowerment through the technological inclusion of women in all productive sectors of the country. That is why, as leaders in digital transformation, we will continue to support initiatives like this one to expand women's opportunities in ICTs, promoting a more inclusive and equitable world”, said María Alejandra Ortiz, Marketing manager of Movistar Empresas.

According to the 2022 report of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the gender gap in Internet access in El Salvador is 15%, this means that women are 15% less likely to have access to the Internet than men. In addition, only 26.5% of women have developed basic digital skills, compared to 48.3% of men.

“For UDB it is strategic to have an innovative educational offer that has unique careers in the country and the region, especially in technical areas as a particular seal since our foundation. Through training in technical careers, we respond to the Salesian vision of offering a meaningful educational proposal for young women, which facilitates their employability and the development of their life project. Celebrating this date through this forum is an excellent way to inspire future leaders in technology and promote gender equity in this field”, said Xiomara Martinez, Secretary General of Universidad Don Bosco.

In addition, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women concluded in 2023 that there is an urgent need to develop policies and programs to achieve gender parity in technology, creating inclusive educational and work environments. Therefore, the mission of Muchas Más focuses on reducing the gender gaps faced by girls and women in this field, providing them with professionalization opportunities that enhance their capabilities, empower them, and insert them into the labor market in safe spaces free from discrimination.

“The main challenges for the country to meet the labor demand of the technology and ICT sector require a firm commitment to the promotion of STEM careers from secondary education, as well as a special focus on promoting female inclusion”, said Magdalena Ávalos, general coordinator of Muchas Más.

Women leaders participated in this activity:

• Reina Torres: Industrial engineer, telecommunications technician and a master’s degree in business administration. Recognized specialist in roaming and interconnection, with more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Her career spans a wide range of roles, from network planning engineer to senior commercial executive.
• Claudia Palma: Telecommunications Engineer. Specialist in FTTH (residential fiber optic) installations with a solid academic background and vast experience in the telecommunications field, standing out for her ability in the handling of specialized equipment and tools.
• Josseline Martínez: Student of Computer Science Engineering and is currently part of the Systems team at Movistar El Salvador. She is fluent in several programming languages and databases, demonstrating a high level of knowledge in computer science.
• Xiomara Martínez: Computer Engineer with a Master's degree in Quality Management from Don Bosco University. Martinez is an advocate for female empowerment in STEM areas, being co-founder of the Women in Engineering Program at UDB and founder of the Science Girl Camp.
• Magdalena Ávalos: Bachelor in International Relations and Master in Corporate Communication. General Coordinator of the Muchas Más Association, with extensive experience in cooperation projects focused on education and training of women, with the aim of providing them with the tools to achieve their goals and be agents of change in their families and communities.

The forum was a space for the exchange of ideas and experiences, with the objective of inspiring more women to enter these fields and promote their professional development.

For more information about Movistar Empresas' initiatives, people can visit www.movistar.com.sv  They can also find more information about UDB's projects by visiting www.udb.edu.sv and about the work of Muchas Más at www.muchasmas.org

Translated by: A.M