More women needed in top ICT positions

After meetings with senior female ICT executives of AMCHAM’s member companies, the business organisation and the IDB launched their Women in Leadership Mentorship Program.

Addressing the group of leading women in the field of Information Technology, she said “We need role models for girls and young women to see that it is possible to be successful in senior ICT positions.” The mentorship program, which will be done in partnership with the IDB, is intended to pair five mentees with senior regional professionals in the fields of Science, Information Technology, and Economics. The mentors were selected from the IDB’s network of professionals.

AMCHAM’s CEO Nirad Tewarie stated that “this initiative is an extension of the theme of our recently concluded Women’s Leadership Seminar held in February #Be Bold For Change. We are ensuring that we make a conscious effort to not only add to the discussion but to be part of the solution.” He added, “We are fully committed to seeing this through along with our partner the IDB, and it is our hope that this pilot project can serve as a template that other business service organisations can adopt and that we can expand.” Carina Cockburn, Chief of Operations for the local IDB office, echoed this sentiment and reiterated the IDB’s position that promoting gender equality is pivotal to its goal of accelerating the process of economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

While applicants can only be selected from AMCHAM membership base, it is important to note that AMCHAM’s diverse membership covers all sectors of business.