The Latam Inclusive Tech Awards (LITA) recognize companies and professionals who promote reducing the gender gap in technology.
The awards aim to highlight initiatives for gender inclusion in tech. As women still represent less than 25% of specialized employment in technology (FEM).
LITA recognition certificate
Lima, July 2024 – Laboratoria held the third edition of the Latam Inclusive Tech Awards (LITA). An event that seeks to highlight and recognize the work of companies and professionals from various industries. That promote inclusion and contribute to gender equality in the tech industry.
With 10 years of experience working to close the gender gap in tech, Laboratoria has seen progress in women’s participation in the industry in the region. However, the gap persists, and women in Latin America still represent less than 25% of specialized employment in technology. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report.
“We firmly believe in the importance of highlighting and rewarding the efforts of those who lead the way. Towards a more diverse, competitive, and inclusive tech industry because to reduce the gender gap, we need everyone’s commitment. Many times, these actions are thought to be difficult to implement. But today we see more than a hundred examples showing that these efforts are not only possible. But necessary to inspire more companies to join this trend,” said Gabriela Rocha, CEO of Laboratoria.
One such example is that women in tech in Peru earn twice the minimum wage in their first job. According to the Beyond Measure study conducted by Laboratoria this year. The study also reveals that 77% of Laboratoria graduates find employment in the tech sector. These graduates secure jobs in global companies, working 100% remotely.
Commitment in adopting gender gap
These figures highlight the commitment that companies and individuals are adopting to close the gender gap in tech areas. This year, more than 120 applications were received from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. Of which 88 were selected for evaluation by an international jury. In total, 57 companies and organizations presented their success stories demonstrating projects and initiatives to create equitable conditions in the tech sector.
The latest edition of the LITA awards recognized the best initiatives in three categories: SMEs, Corporates, and Public Sector and Civil Society. Each category awarded prizes: Hacking the Gap, Executive Vision, Diversity Champions, Valuing Motherhood, STEM Inspiration, and Pioneer Initiative.
There were 15 winners out of 120 applications that shone in this edition of LITA, from countries like Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, and Chile, along with two initiatives with regional applications.
In the case of Costa Rica, Interfaz won the “Hacking the Gap” award in the small and medium enterprise category. “We are very proud to support the development of women in the tech industry and to participate in such initiatives. Thank you, Interfaz Team, for believing in our vision and being part of this incredible story,” said Diana Araya of Interfaz.
Interfaz winner of “Hacking the gap” category
It is worth noting that the selection criteria included the impact and magnitude of the initiatives or programs implemented to promote gender diversity and inclusion in tech, the effectiveness of the actions taken, the ability to achieve and exceed established goals, and the sustainability and continuity of the actions implemented over time.
The LITA 2024 featured a prestigious international jury, including Juan Sebastían Molano, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Hubspot (Colombia); Mariana Costa, CEO of Laboratoria+ (Peru); Vanessa Scaburri, Director of Oracle Volunteering & Social Impact at Oracle (Brazil); Mariajosé Martínez, Senior Solution Advisor at SAP (Mexico); Rosa Chang, Director of Global Sustainability Black Belt – Americas at Microsoft (Peru); Claudia Noriega, Digital Talent Manager at BCP (Peru); and María de Lourdes Godoy, Director Release Train Engineer Agile at Coca Cola FEMSA (Mexico). The award was also supported by BCP-Credicorp, UTEC Ventures, and Mercado Negro.
