Women in STEM: Bridging the Gender Gap
According to the United Nations, women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are often confronted with shorter and less lucrative careers compared to their male counterparts. Alarmingly, in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, only 22% of professionals are women.
Santander’s Initiatives to Empower Women in Technology
In a bid to change this landscape, Santander has implemented various initiatives across the countries where it operates, aimed at attracting skilled women in technology. These local and international projects not only encourage women to advance their careers both within the organization and beyond but also emphasize the importance of digital skills.
Be Tech! with Santander: A Unique Talent Attraction Programme
One notable effort within Santander Digital Services is the Be Tech! with Santander program, which features a dedicated initiative known as Women in Tech. Now in its fourth year, this initiative fosters a supportive community of female employees and highlights the need for women’s leadership while championing their contributions in STEM fields.
Increasing Visibility and Inspiration through Leadership
Part of the initiative’s mission includes enhancing the visibility of women leaders in technology and inspiring future generations through events such as the annual “The Future of Women in Tech Summit.” This event, along with various other efforts, aims to uplift women and showcase their achievements in the tech industry.
Current Statistics on Women’s Representation in STEM
According to data from nonprofit organization Technovation Girls, women constitute only 20% of the workforce in technology and science sectors in Spain, with a mere 4% holding leadership positions. In contrast, at Banco Santander, women occupy 30.1% of roles within STEM, reflecting a commitment to improving gender representation in these critical fields.
