Breaking down barriers

• While women represent more than half of the university student body in Spain, their presence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degrees is significantly lower. This gap reveals the need for female role models to encourage young women to explore these fields. To encourage the presence of women in these disciplines, it is essential to launch initiatives such as the WONNOW Awards, promoted by CaixaBank and Microsoft, which are now in their seventh year.

In Spain, women account for 54% of the total number of students enrolled in universities. However, when it comes to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degrees, the percentage of women is much lower: 13% in Computer Engineering, 23% in Telecommunications, 36% in Mathematics and 27% in Physics.

One of the main reasons why these types of career fail to attract female talent is the lack of role models capable of motivating young women to pursue these degrees and showing them the employment options and possibilities offered by these fields. Alba Cano, a graduate in Computer Engineering from the University of Jaén and currently studying for a master’s degree in Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Málaga, stresses the importance of having role models. Being able to rely on the support of family, friends, teachers is also essential.

it is very important that they trust you.

Alejandra Hernández - Degree in Mathematics at the Polytechnic University of Madrid

To encourage the presence of women in these disciplines, it is essential to launch initiatives such as the WONNOW Awards, promoted by CaixaBank and Microsoft, which this year reached their seventh edition and have become a prominent event in the academic world. Over the seven editions held so far, more than 4,800 candidates from all over Spain have applied.

First job experience

One of the most prized aspects of these awards is that the winners have the opportunity to see the working world firsthand by having their first work experience in the CaixaBank Group. They also cite the mentoring program offered by Microsoft.

These awards are not just an opportunity to work in a highly technical, innovative and challenging environment, but they are also an opportunity to be in an environment where respect, working with your team and embracing diversity and volunteering are highly valued.

Irene Ramiro - Double degree in Computer Engineering and Mathematics from the Autonomous University of Madrid

Curiosity and an insatiable desire to always learn new things are traits that all of the winners share and have allowed them to triumph from among more than 1,000 participants in this latest edition of the awards. They also share a commitment to constant learning, daily improvement and not to give up in the face of adversity.

The bad times are part of the experience.

Paula Pijoan - Double degree in Telecommunications Engineering and Business Analytics at the Comillas Pontificia University: Higher Technical School of Engineering ICAI University

Role models for the next generations

Alba Cano, Alejandra Hernández, Irene Ramiro, Paula Pijoan, Ana Rojas, Paula Pérez, Olmar Arranz, Ángela Alarcón, Sara Cobelo, Carmen Bermejo, Silvia Riaño, Delia Díaz, Anna Sallés, Ainhoa Aranda and Noelia Candal are the 15 winners of the 7th edition of the WONNOW Awards. They will now have the opportunity to experience a Microsoft mentoring programme and will work for six months in the CaixaBank Group (under an employment contract) in key areas such as Digital Transformation & Advanced Analytics, and Media and Sustainability.

Meanwhile, the student with the best academic record, personal, professional and social pathway was Carmen Tabuenca, double degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Navarra, who received a cash prize of €10,000 and access to a Microsoft mentoring programme. With the prize money Carmen wants to launch a magazine to make science more enjoyable and accessible to the general public. She also wants to continue studying for a Master’s or PhD abroad.

Image Carmen Tabuenca

All of them, as well as the winners of previous editions, have broken barriers and are already role models for the new generations, who see them as the embodiment of discipline, perseverance, self-improvement, effort and sacrifice; ingredients that let you go as far as you want to go.