Women in the Sky
Introduction
“Women in the Sky” it is a Mexican program that aims to contribute to the visibility, representation, and positioning of women in STEM fields, particularly in aerospace and aeronautics, through international scholarships for university and technical students in these fields, at the Universidad Aeronáutica en Querétaro (UNAQ).
The selected students participate in practical activities and workshops in these fields for some weeks.
The program includes various nationalities, through an international cooperation.
Purpose of the best practice/guidance
The goal of this report is to value this initiative that enhance the visibility, representation, and positioning of women in STEM fields, with a particular focus on aerospace and aeronautical themes. By addressing gender inequalities, the program aims to stimulating innovation, development, and well-being in Mexico and other regions of the American continent.
This initiative is designed to inspire and empower women, providing them with opportunities to excel in these fields and make significant contributions to the advancement of technology and science.
Intended audience
The audience of Mexico’s “Women in the Sky” program consists of women aged 18 to 29 who are enrolled in university or technical courses in STEM areas. This program particularly targets those involved in the aeronautical and aerospace sectors. It also includes participants from other Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic.
The program aims to empower these women by providing them with opportunities to explore STEM fields, promoting a sense of community and collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds.
Description/How it works
The third edition of the program, which took place from September 8th to 28th, 2024 at UNAQ, was preceded by a week of virtual activities.
Teams made up of two to four students participated, accompanied by a teacher from their respective institutions. The participants developed solutions to real challenges in the aeronautical industry, contributing to reducing gender inequality in science and technology.
The program offers participants several benefits, including round-trip air tickets, coverage of accommodation and food expenses, exemption from academic costs and materials for activities. In addition, industrial and cultural visits are organized, as well as workshops focused on developing technical and leadership skills.
The initiative has the support of strategic institutions, such as the Aeroclúster de Querétaro and the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE), reinforcing the commitment to promoting gender equality in the technological and aeronautical fields.
Activities developed
Activities such as the following are contemplated:
- Academic workshops within the STEM framework.
- Soft skills talk, such as leadership, inclusion, among others.
- Solutions to problems in companies affiliated with the Querétaro Aerocluster.
- Cultural visits.
- Webinars, seminars, experience exchange presentations, through which the importance and impact of gender equality and women’s participation in science and technology are highlighted.
Impacts / Outcomes
The Women in the Sky program in Mexico has generated significant positive impacts since its first edition, including:
Empowerment of Women and Increased Female Representation in the Aerospace Sector: The program has been fundamental for the empowerment of women in STEM fields, especially in the Mexican aerospace sector and in other Latin American countries.
Development of Technical Skills and Training: The technical training along with the practical activities offered during the program help participants develop essential skills for the job market. These courses and workshops also provide relevant knowledge for other technology and science industries.
Networking and International Cooperation: The program offers an excellent networking opportunity between participants from different countries. This opportunity boosts international collaboration and broadens the perspectives of participants, creating a supportive multicultural environment among women working in the sector.
Lessons learned
The Women in the Sky program, developed in Mexico, offers important lessons on how to promote female inclusion and empowerment in the aeronautical sector, through international cooperation, also benefiting neighboring countries.
The example of Women in the Sky also reinforces the power of partnerships. The union between airlines, educational institutions and social organizations and countries enhanced the results of the program and generated a strengthened network of participants. This intersectoral and multicultural articulation reinforces the importance of building collective solutions to structural challenges, such as gender inequality.
The program makes it clear that giving visibility to women in the aeronautical and aerospace sector is a fundamental step towards inspiring new generations. By valuing students who go through professional placement challenges, creating spaces for exchange and learning.
Web link
https://www.gob.mx/amexcid/documentos/programa-women-in-the-sky-convocatoria-2024
Authors and Contributors
Mexico Governament
Universidad Aeronáutica en Querétaro (UNAQ)