A group of 29 female students are set to graduate from Colegio Fiscal Técnico Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil, marking a significant moment for gender equality in technical education. These students completed their studies in fields traditionally dominated by men, including Electromechanics, Mechatronics, Consumer Electronics, and Air Conditioning.
The school’s principal, Claudio Chong, highlighted the increasing participation of women over recent years. “In 2023 we had 12 female students; in 2024 there were 24 and this year we reached 29. This shows that women have the same abilities and opportunities in these areas,” said Chong.
He also noted that some graduates are already connected to the workforce. “Car dealerships and other companies specifically request girls for employment once they graduate.”
One of the graduates, Doménica Borja, who studied Automotive Mechanics, expressed her views on gender roles in technical professions. “Today both boys and girls can work under a car, use tools and get greasy without it making us less,” she said. Borja mentioned that her performance attracted attention from an automotive company: “The company Skoda was interested in my work.” She plans to continue her studies at Tecnológico Simón Bolívar.
Alexa Fernández, a student specializing in Electricity, spoke about her ambitions: “My dream is to study Electrical Engineering, and that motivated me to enroll.” She acknowledged initial challenges but observed growing numbers of female students each year. “We’re showing these fields aren’t just for men.” Fernández intends to pursue university studies and encourages other young women to take risks and follow their dreams.
Doménica Villamar chose Electronics inspired by family experience: “I have an aunt who repairs televisions and speakers. I was curious how so many components fit into such a small circuit board.” Villamar has already taken an entrance exam for a degree in Electronics and Automation at ESPOL. Her message to others is clear: “Don’t let negative comments or stereotypes stop you. Women can be engineers and contribute to the country’s development.”
Colegio Fiscal Técnico Simón Bolívar positions itself as a leader in inclusive technical education aligned with policies from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture aimed at promoting equal opportunities, removing gender stereotypes, and strengthening technical training as key for social and economic progress.
