Introduction
Women face significant challenges in participating in the technology and communications sector (TIC), with only 34% pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. Diana María Olaya, regional director of the Cámara del Pacífico, highlighted this issue during the webinar ‘Mujeres Tech: Liderando el futuro’.
The Importance of Early Interest in Mathematics
Natalia Kalife Dieck, a young marketing executive for product innovation at Softtek, emphasized that the intersection of innovation, technology, and talent is shaping the future. She noted that practical experience should be integrated into educational settings, as university theory differs from real-world application.
María Clara Choucair Cárdenas, CEO of Choucair Testing and an engineer with a specialization in finance from the Universidad Eafit in Medellín, stressed that STEM careers require a certain level of mastery. She advocated for fostering an interest in mathematics from a young age, as it is a practical science applicable to daily life.
The Role of Soft Skills
Diana María Olaya, moderator of the webinar and president of the Women Economic Forum Panamá, discussed the relevance of soft skills in applying emerging technologies. She pointed out concerns about the importance of soft skills amidst a backdrop of rapid technological advancements.
Natalia Kalife explained that while AI tools may not be as useful in the long term, they initially generate excitement. However, she emphasized the need for analytical skills and combining creativity with informed decision-making based on potential returns.
María Clara Choucair highlighted the significance of addressing social issues as citizens and businesswomen, while also acknowledging that women can enhance their leadership in technology through soft skills and technical capabilities.
The discussion also touched on the role of human experience in light of advancing artificial intelligence.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What challenges do women face in the TIC sector? A: Women encounter significant hurdles, with only 34% pursuing STEM careers.
- Q: Why is early interest in mathematics crucial? A: It fosters practical understanding and application of STEM concepts in daily life.
- Q: How important are soft skills in the technology sector? A: Soft skills, such as analytical thinking and creativity, are essential for informed decision-making and long-term success.
- Q: What role do soft skills play in addressing social issues? A: Soft skills enable women to lead and contribute to solving social problems while excelling in technology.
- Q: How does the advancement of AI impact human experience in the workforce? A: The discussion acknowledges the need to consider the role of human experience and soft skills amidst rapid AI development.
