If we zoom in on the problem of the digital divide, we can also talk about a digital gender divide. According to UNESCO and EQUALS, women are 1.6 times less likely than men to have digital skills. The perception of technology as a masculine field, together with the low visibility given to prominent females in the field of technology influences the lack of confidence in girls.
In response to this context, in 2022 Santillana created, together with the Intercultural Foundation Fe and Alegría, the #VoyaSer programme, an initiative which impacts on people with a very vulnerable profile: indigenous girls from low-income families.
The project, developed in Guatemala and Peru, accompanies girls during their final year at secondary school, with the aim of helping them complete their education. In addition, it offers them comprehensive help:
- Financial support so they can continue with their studies
- Social support, with a course in emotional intelligence and the support of Santillana coaches.
- Technological support: with a course for students and teachers on basic digital skills. In 2022, Santillana kitted out both educational centres with computers to complement this help.
The ultimate aim is to give them some quality help that allows them to have better future opportunities , in line with our company purpose and our sustainability strategy.
In this way, #VoyaSer affects three problems very present in Latin America, which have all been aggravated by the pandemic: the digital divide, school dropout and gender inequality.
