At Mexicothe Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) economies have grown three times faster than the average of the economies of the OECD between 2013 and 2023, but in spite of the high demand for digital talentthe female inclusion continues to lag behind, accounting for less than 20% of the people employed in this sector.
Faced with this reality, the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), in collaboration with the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and its Connectedanalyzed the working conditions of women in the sector and proposed actions to reverse this inequality. The study stresses that integrating more women into the labor ICT not only responds to a need for equity, but it is also a economic opportunity very relevant for the country.
Gaps from training to employment
Between 2012 and 2023, the number of female graduates from ICT-related careers increased 18% on average per year. However, for every female graduate, there are almost two men. This gap widens even further in the workplace, where for every woman employed in ICT, there are almost six men.
Currently, more than 900,000 people work in this sector in Mexico, but female participation has remained practically stagnant at just under one-fifth. This under-representation not only reflects inequalities in access, but also limits the exploitation of the industry's economic potential.
Benefits of adding women to ICT
Women who manage to enter ICT jobs experience better working conditions compared to the rest of the female labor market:
- Greater formality: 71% of women in ICT have formal jobs, compared to 44% in the national average.
- Better income: the average salary in ICT is 56% higher than that earned by women in other sectors.
- More benefits: 65% access health services and employment benefits, compared to 38% outside the sector.
In addition, increased female access to this field could generate a considerable economic impact. If an annual growth rate of 20% in women's participation is achieved, 359,000 women workers would be added to the ICT sector by 2030, reaching a representation of 40% and generating economic benefits of 53 billion additional pesos.
Four proposals to close the gap
To reverse this structural inequality and take advantage of the potential of the female talent in ICT, the IMCO proposes four lines of action:
- Recognize digital microcredentials
Integrate credentials earned in online courses or apps, such as digital badges, into the education and labor system. These are more accessible to women and allow them to acquire key technical skills. The National Registry of Competency Standards should be updated periodically to include more ICT competencies.
- Encouraging technological vocations from early childhood
It is essential to encourage girls' interest in ICT from basic education, with content oriented to problem solving and practical application. A more solid integration of these subjects in the curriculum is required, beyond the project-based approach of the New Mexican School.
- Use state infrastructure for ICT training
Leverage community centers such as PILARES (CDMX) or DIF Pilares (Jalisco) to provide training in technological skills such as data analysis, cybersecurity or automation, adapted to regional needs.
- Improve English proficiency
English is essential for accessing better ICT opportunities. It is recommended to establish a periodic evaluation of the level of English based on the Common European Framework and to reinforce its teaching at all educational levels.
Closing the gender gap in ICT is not only an ethical and social imperative, but also a strategic commitment for Mexico's economic development. Through public policies, alliances with the private sector and actions focused on training and retention of women in the sector, the country can build a fairer and more competitive digital ecosystem.
Source: IMCO
