Despite the advances in reducing the gender gap in STEM careers, inequality and social stereotypes continue to directly affect women in Colombia when choosing a professional career. Unesco studies speak of a world percentage of 14% of women in engineering and although in Colombia the percentage is currently around 26%, there is still much to improve. Hence the need to continue promoting the access and inclusion of women in STEM careers. It is for this reason that Femtech returned in a 2nd edition.

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What is Femtech?

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Femtech is a hackathon for women in technology that seeks to empower and make visible female talent in this sector. For two exciting days, teams of female designers and programmers come together to create innovative solutions that address global challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the first edition of Femtech, 32 women gathered and in this second edition it increased to 40 participants. Through initiatives like this, they seek to promote greater inclusion and diversity in the world of technology, and create fairer and more sustainable solutions for the future.

How were those two days?

The 2nd edition of Femtech was a complete success, more than 150 designers and programmers signed up in less than 10 days. Only 40 were selected and on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23, they met at the Microsoft Bogotá offices to devise, design, and program team projects. To assist the 10 teams, each had a tech-savvy mentor to provide support and advice.

In addition, the event had 7 speakers from companies such as Microsoft, Dapta and Imagine Apps, who presented relevant topics in the field of technology and enriched the experience.

• Maria Paula Duke - Microsoft - Sustainability
• David Lancheros - Imagine Apps - Imagine Network
• Oscar González - Microsoft - OPEN AI

• Catalina Rengifo - Microsoft - Inclusion
• Lorraine Marseille - Imagine Apps - Método Imagine
• Alexandra Hainaut - Dapta - Unlock your superpowers

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After two intense days of work, the winning team was announced, receiving a prize of $2,000,000 Colombian pesos for their innovative project. The Women's Hackathon was an exciting and enriching experience for all the participants, who were able to learn, connect and share their knowledge and skills. Join the next edition of the Women's Hackathon to be part of an inclusive technology community!

Meet the winners

1. Why did you decide to participate in Femtech?

“I decided to participate as my own challenge to get out of the day-to-day routine and do something different. I've been designing only for financial apps for a while doing ux/ui and I saw the opportunity to see how I could use my skills in another context. The fact that it was only for women also made me feel more secure because I tend to be shy in spaces with a lot of people.” (danielle quintero)

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2. How was your experience during the event and creating the digital product? What were your biggest challenges and achievements?

“My experience during the event was wonderful. It was amazing to work with such talented women and learn so much from them. Creating the digital product was challenging, but we were motivated to keep going because we knew we were working on something important and meaningful. Our biggest challenges were limited time and the need to be creative to find a unique and innovative solution.” (Ingrid Banguero)

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3. Would you recommend this event to other women interested in technology? Because?

“I highly recommend it. The talks, the projects and the relationship is something that inspires and motivates you a lot. Above all, I believe that the confidence of knowing that in two days you created and presented a project is an important benefit that encourages you to believe that you can do everything you set your mind to.” (danielle quintero)

“I would recommend this event to other women who are interested in technology because it is a unique opportunity to connect with other women and learn from their experiences and knowledge.” (Ingrid Banguero)

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Sharing experiences

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Nataly Estupiñañ - developer

“This weekend I had the opportunity to meet incredible women: very determined developers and designers, at the #femtech #hackaton organized by Imagine Apps, Dapta and Microsoft. Excellent spaces to create community and generate new ideas💡. Thank you very much for the invitation, it has been very enriching and I enjoyed it to the fullest!”

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Joselin Lozada - developer

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“Thank you for these meeting and empowerment spaces.

They were two days of much learning and teamwork. Women developing technology for women.”

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Karen Rodriguez - developer

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“Experiences that mark us in life, thank you Imagine Apps Dapta Microsoft and my colleagues for such a beautiful team.”

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Luisny Ugarte - developer

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“It was an honor to share this #femTech experience with Dapta Imagine Apps Microsoft and 39 other talented girls… I take the learning and many friends in Tech with me. Thank you”

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Maria Fernanda Herrera - developer

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“It was a very enriching experience, I had the opportunity to meet many women in technology and listen to their inspiring stories. Also, the challenge was great, it allowed me to work together with my three teammates.”

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