International. The United Nations recently published a report highlighting the work of different women in the world within the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. Several women from Latin America were highlighted.
The techniques and engineers featured in the publication are described as pioneers and role models whose stories should inspire a new generation of young women.
According to the UN, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the opportunities available to women and recognize their achievements in HVAC/R. According to the International Refrigeration Institute (IIR), approximately 12 million people worldwide are employed in this industry.
However, although there is a lack of statistics on the proportion of women working in the sector, they are underrepresented. Data indicates that women represent on average 10 to 20 percent of engineering workers worldwide, a much higher percentage than in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
In 2017, the U.S. Women in HVAC/R collective reported that women made up only about 1.2% of U.S. heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics, technicians, and installers. The proportion was similar for Canada.
This is the list of Latin American women highlighted in the report.
Colombia
Leidy Natalia Galeano Ortiz
Liliana Del Socorro Luna Ramirez
Leidy Marcela Osorio Molina
Dominican Republic
Ana Vanessa Ricardo Acosta
Ecuador
Rosita Silvia Maldonado
Bolivia
Lucia Condori Gutierrez
Lucero Cortez Ustariz
Nicaragua
Angela Barreto
Brazil
Acosta Rodrigues Alfaia Dos Santos
Natália Dantas Borges
Gabriela Giacomini
Jossineide Oliveira E Silva
Leylla Christian Lisboa Silva, from Brazil
Peru
Karla Magdalena Arguedas Sanchez
Marlene Estefa Huaman Huanaco
Iris Milagros Vegas Valverde
Mexico
Marina Josewna Pjrez Montiel
Honduras
Diana Michelle Valladares Jacinto
The full report can be viewed by clicking here.
