Women in technical roles: equity builds at all levels
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Telefónica Movistar implemented the “Mujeres en Red” (Women in Network) program in Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, and Colombia, successfully connecting over 1,000 women to jobs installing fiber optic cables and maintaining networks.
The program highlighted the need for stronger equity strategies to develop women’s talent. Participating companies committed to hiring goals and provided training to ensure women could accurately perform field work and customer service. Beyond leadership positions, equity requires women’s participation in technical roles, production processes, and essential service operations.
In Mexico, women currently make up only 16% of the operational staff in technical maintenance and industrial installation, according to data from INEGI. Recognizing gender equity offers companies a competitive advantage by encouraging innovation, improving business outcomes, and promoting collaborative work. Telefónica México created a guide, reviewed by the Universidad Iberoamericana, to help other organizations incorporate women into traditionally male-dominated roles.
The guide advises companies to first identify gender gaps in technical and field positions, then adjust hiring practices to include women in candidate pools. It also stresses the importance of technical and socio-emotional training for new hires and existing staff to address unconscious bias and foster inclusive work environments, while also prioritizing the safety of women in the workplace.
