• The event brought together leaders from the scientific, technological, and business sectors to advance real gender equality in STEM fields.
• The STEM Women Annual Report 2025 was presented during the event, highlighting persistent gaps and outlining the path toward a more equitable future.
• In addition to established editions in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Milan, and Montreal, new venues will be added in 2025: Cartagena de Indias, São Paulo, Medellín, and Toronto. Countries such as Chile, Colombia, Turkey, and the Netherlands are also preparing to host their first edition of the event.

Madrid, May 6, 2025 – The STEM Women Congress (SWC) held its third edition in Madrid today, solidifying its status as a key international gathering to highlight and promote female talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The event, held in a hybrid format at CaixaForum Madrid, drew a large audience and featured strong institutional and corporate participation.

From the early morning, attendees enjoyed inspiring talks, panel discussions, and networking spaces featuring prominent figures in the STEM world. Meteorologist and science communicator Mercedes Martín, representing the international Homeward Bound program, shared her experience from scientific expeditions to Antarctica and emphasized the importance of female leadership in addressing major global challenges.

One of the most appreciated moments was a roundtable of men — a notable feature in a congress full of women — offering a fresh and motivating perspective on the importance of working together toward gender equality.

The event was hosted by science communicator Pere Estupinyà and included representatives from companies such as Schneider Electric, Kyndryl, Michael Page, Homeward Bound, Naturgy, CaixaBank Tech, GFT, Volkswagen Group España Distribución, and Abertis, among others, who shared best practices and gender equality commitments.

SWC ANNUAL REPORT: A GUIDE FOR TRANSFORMATION

A key moment of the day was the presentation of the STEM Women Annual Report 2025 (SWAR), a pioneering study that analyzes STEM initiatives launched in Spain and their impact by demographic segments, age groups, and regions.

“This year’s report sends us a double message: on one hand, the number of initiatives and collaborations is growing; on the other, we see warning signs for certain groups such as early childhood, teenage girls, and women in mid-career stages. This compels us to rethink strategies and act with greater urgency,” emphasized Susana Cabos, the report’s director. She also highlighted the growing number of STEM-promoting initiatives targeting both genders.

A regional analysis of organizations promoting STEM initiatives in Spain shows clear leadership by the third sector. Non-profit organizations are the most active agents in most autonomous communities, especially in Murcia (50%), Asturias (48.6%), and Extremadura (48.4%). Their presence is slightly lower in Catalonia (37.3%) and Galicia (38.5%), though they still hold the leading role.

It is also worth noting the increase in STEM career initiatives directed at both genders, as highlighted by Susana Cabos.

“Measuring is not just about counting. It’s about committing. This report is not a mirror, it’s a tool for change,” stated Eva Díaz, CEO of SWC.

The report can be consulted [via this link].

A GROWING GLOBAL NETWORK

SWC used its Madrid edition to reinforce its international vision. Alongside established editions in Barcelona, Lisbon, Milan, and Montreal, new events will debut in 2025 in Cartagena de Indias (May 28), São Paulo (May 15), Medellín (August 1), and Toronto (October 22). Countries such as Chile, Colombia, Turkey, and the Netherlands are also preparing to host their first editions.

“Our vision is clear: an SWC in every territory where there are women in STEM ready to change the world. The congress’s expansion reflects the growth of the movement,” said Eva Díaz.

GLOBAL CONGRESS EXPANSION

For the first time, SWC will arrive in Colombia, with events scheduled for May 28 in Cartagena de Indias and August 1 in Medellín. Brazil will also host its first edition, set for May 15 in São Paulo. Additionally, three more countries — Turkey, Chile, and the Netherlands — are preparing inaugural editions, with dates to be confirmed.

BACKED BY COMMITTED COMPANIES

SWC Madrid 2025 was supported by companies such as VOLKSWAGEN, ABERTIS, MICHAEL PAGE, 250 GRADOS, WOMEN EVOLUTION, KYNDRYL, CAIXA BANK TECH, NACEX, KERN PHARMA, and GYNEA, as well as organizations like 5 MUJERES & CIA, EOI, LATINAS IN TECH, COIT, AAGIT, Mujeres Ciber Líderes Andalucía, and MIRED.

Since its founding in Barcelona in 2019, the STEM Women Congress has become a global hub for STEM initiatives, mobilizing more than 4,000 participants and receiving recognitions such as the 2023 DonaTIC Award and its recent nomination for the “Women Changing the World Global Awards 2024.”

“We keep going” was the most repeated phrase at this edition — because the challenge continues, and change will be collective or it won’t happen at all.