Laborit’s Commitment to Gender Equity.

In today’s technology and computing landscape—still largely male-dominated—it is essential to recognize the role of women in the origins and development of these fields. History reveals how, for centuries, women have faced sexism and inequality to carve out a space in science and technology. This reality inspires Laborit’s commitment to gender equity in the tech sector.

Telma, founder and CEO of Laborit, knew that her mission was to build innovative products, break barriers, and challenge conventions. When founding the company, she made two essential decisions: to seek purpose in every choice—something challenging in the business world—and to take a clear stance in a predominantly male industry. From the very beginning, female leadership has been central to Laborit’s culture, reflected in the journey of its CEO, Telma Corrêa.

“Opportunity begins with positioning and prioritizing women in every aspect. We can accelerate the growth of a new generation of women in technology—software engineers, leaders, product managers, and data scientists—while delivering tangible results for the market and our clients.”

Laborit strongly supports equity, even when challenging the company’s growth ideals. Employees have witnessed Laborit’s leadership intervening in employment contracts and client negotiations, prioritizing respect and the well-being of its team, especially the women within the organization. These interventions have taken place in uncomfortable situations, highlighting the company’s commitment to fostering a fair and equal environment for everyone.

Telma, CEO – at Tencent headquarters in China / Fast Company Awards in New York

The Struggle That Has Spanned Years.

More than an inspiring speech, March 8th is a time for reflection, positioning, and action. History shows that women's rights are among the first to be threatened. In times of war and humanitarian crises, women’s rights are often undermined, with violations, abuses, and restrictions that deeply impact their lives and freedom.

We all bear the responsibility of confronting the impacts of toxic masculinity, patriarchy, and social structures that still impose barriers on women at work, at home, and in society. The goal is a future where equity is a reality. Achieving this requires structural changes—a continuous awareness, debate, and strengthening of public policies promoting gender equality. Society as a whole needs to engage in this dialogue, challenging inequalities and fighting discriminatory practices.

This learning process is embedded in Laborit’s daily operations, guided by female leadership and a commitment to education. It impacts not only the workplace but also family and social relationships.

Women Who Were Part of the History of Technology and Science

The Suffragist Movement.

Women's struggle for fundamental rights also involved the suffragist movement, an essential milestone in the history of gender equity that sought to secure the right to vote for women. Initially, voting was denied to women due to a sexist political structure that kept power in the hands of men and excluded women based on the prejudiced idea that they were not capable of participating in politics.

This movement also marked the beginning of the first wave of feminism, a landmark in the historical fight for gender equality. The first phase of this struggle primarily aimed to secure women’s right to vote. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, women worldwide organized campaigns to achieve this right, facing strong resistance and repression. The movement gained strength in the United Kingdom and the United States, with figures such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Susan B. Anthony leading demonstrations and demanding political equality. In Brazil, Bertha Lutz was one of the most critical voices in the fight for women’s suffrage, contributing to the achievement of voting rights for women in 1932.

Throughout history, women's struggles have gained recognition and voice, driving changes in various areas of society. This collective effort has paved the way for women to occupy previously denied spaces, including science, politics, and technology. However, this battle is not yet over.

That is why we must never forget March 8th. More than a day of celebration, International Women’s Day symbolizes resistance and advocacy for equality, rights, and respect. Its origin traces back to the protests of female workers in the 20th century who demanded better working conditions and political rights, becoming a landmark in the history of feminism. Remembering this trajectory is essential to ensuring that the achievements gained are not lost and that the fight for equity continues to transform society.

The Brilliant Minds That Shaped the Future.

Since the 18th century, women have significantly contributed to science despite the lack of recognition. Nicole-Reine Lepaute accurately calculated solar eclipses and the return of Halley’s Comet. In the 19th century, Ada Lovelace created the first algorithm for the "Analytical Engine," becoming the first programmer in history. Maria Mitchell was the first American scientist to discover a comet, while Henrietta Swan Leavitt helped determine the universe's expansion. Inge Lehmann revolutionized geophysics by discovering the Earth’s inner core, and Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar, a material used in bulletproof vests.

During World War II, women such as Kathleen McNulty, Betty Jean Jennings, and Frances Bilas worked as "human computers," performing crucial calculations for the ENIAC project, one of the first digital computers. However, many of these scientists were erased from history, like Yvonne Brill, an aerospace engineer who designed an innovative propulsion system but only received recognition decades later. In the 1970s, previously dominated by women, computing became a male-dominated field due to the increasing value of the sector and shifts in the job market.

Some pioneers in technology changed the course of history. Grace Hopper developed the COBOL programming language and popularized the term "bug." Hedy Lamarr created a communication system that led to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Mary Wilkes designed the first operating system for a personal computer, and Adele Goldberg influenced the graphical interface of the first Apple computer. A NASA engineer, Annie Easley, contributed to developing energy conversion systems and hybrid vehicle batteries.

In science, Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only one to receive it in two categories. Rosalind Franklin played a crucial role in discovering DNA’s structure, while Chien-Shiung Wu made fundamental discoveries in nuclear physics. Barbara McClintock revolutionized genetics by discovering transposable elements in DNA, earning a Nobel Prize.

These women broke barriers and shaped science and technology, paving the way for future generations and promoting equity in knowledge and innovation. We will always live in this part of history.

The Future with Social Innovation and Gender Equity.

Gender equity in science and technology is not just a matter of justice but an essential driver of global progress. Imagining a future where women occupy leadership positions, drive innovative research, and develop transformative technologies envisions a more balanced and efficient world.

While today, we still face barriers such as the underrepresentation of women in strategic roles and wage inequality, the future can and must be different. With investment in education, effective public policies, and a more inclusive job market, female achievements can rewrite the history of innovation and redefine the course of society. But where are we now? The following numbers highlight the path we still need to travel.

Gender Equity: What Do the Numbers Say?

In the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, women represent 39% of the workforce in Brazil, a figure still lower than that of men. Moreover, female presence in technical and leadership positions remains limited. Only 0.07% of women in the country work in IT, totaling around 69,800 professionals.

This disparity is also reflected in academic education. In 2022, only 15.7% of students in Information Technology courses were women, and the female participation rate among graduates in the field dropped from 17.5% in 2012 to 15% in 2022. These numbers reinforce the need for policies encouraging female presence in the sector.

Brazil is the third country with the highest female participation in scientific publications, with 49% of research papers authored by women. However, their presence varies by field. While professions such as Nursing (80%) and Pharmacology (62%) have broad female participation, sectors like Mathematics (19%), Computer Science (21%), and Engineering (24%) still show significant imbalances.

Another challenge lies in academic career progression. Women with up to five years of experience account for 51% of scientific publications, but this number drops to 36% among researchers with over 21 years of career. Inequality also extends to the innovation sector: only 3% to 6% of patents registered in Brazil are by women as sole inventors, although mixed-gender teams have increased their participation in recent years.

The Path to Equality.

Despite the challenges, public and private initiatives have sought to increase female participation in technology and science. Programs encouraging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, academic awards, and efforts to reduce wage disparities are essential to ensure women have more opportunities in these strategic fields for the country’s development.

Gender equity in technology and science is not just a matter of justice but a necessity for innovation and progress. The future of these fields depends on more inclusive environments where female talent can thrive without barriers.

Laborit sees this reality as a challenge that must be tackled daily. That is why its female leadership structure ensures that, for every 10 employees, at least five positions are held by women. This commitment is also reflected in education and training, encouraging girls and women to enter tech.

Opening of the Office in Silicon Valley

Laborit and the Construction of the Future.

Laborit is committed to promoting this change concretely. On International Women's Day, the company reinforces its role in the fight for a future where gender equity is a reality. As Letícia Parks highlights in the preface of the book Nós, Mulheres, o proletariado (We, Women, the Proletariat):

“We are not slaves: quilombola queens, armed warriors, and determined strikers – stories of Black women fighting for freedom.”

Laborit believes reinventing the world depends on connecting people and purposes, democratizing technology, and strengthening gender equality. March 8th is a day of struggle and reflection, and the company invites everyone to be part of this transformation.

Women in AI and the Feminine Strength of Laborit, Haigen, and More.

Artificial intelligence is not just the future of technology – it is already a reality in the products and innovations developed by Lab for clients in Brazil and the US over the past year.

At Laborit, this revolution goes beyond business impact. It also encompasses the training and specialization of women working in AI development, working with leading LLMs, intelligent agents, and proprietary technology that enhances our solutions.

For Telma, entering the new era of AI means shaping the future without losing sight of an essential role that all leaders should take on: to form the minds that will build tomorrow. This includes expanding opportunities and empowering people inside and outside the organization, especially women, to pave the way for them to take the lead and shape a future with more equity and inclusion.

In 2024, Laborit founded a joint venture with Innovare, a tech startup from Cupertino, California, to develop a specialized LLM model for strategic industries such as healthcare, banking, insurance, and retail. Haigen AI represents a new era for these sectors, bringing innovation and efficiency. Additionally, it reaffirms the commitment to equity by being led by Rashmi Mohanty, reinforcing women’s training in AI, and expanding their role in the tech ecosystem.

At Laborit, we believe that gender equity must be continuously promoted through concrete initiatives of awareness, education, and strategic positioning. Our commitment starts with leadership, with our CEO, Telma Corrêa, and strengthens with the union of all the women who make a difference as techs, product managers, and scientists.

We continue to create opportunities for more and more women to occupy leading roles in AI and innovation.

A Tribute to Our Labers.

Throughout Laborit’s history, great women have left their mark and continue to drive our journey forward. Our tribute goes to Telma, our incredible CEO, and to Andréa, Nathalia, Diane, Camila, Josiane, Tainá, Gabriela, Denise, Abadessa Miao You, and all the others who have been part of this journey. Thank you for all the dedication, talent, and innovation you bring daily!

Women of Laborit

Honorable Mention: Pioneering Women.

Throughout history, countless women have challenged barriers and made significant contributions to science and technology, even while facing discrimination and a lack of recognition. Rachel Swaby's book Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science and the World highlights some pioneers whose discoveries and innovations have transformed the world.

Among the scientists honored was Maria Sibylla Merian, a naturalist and scientific illustrator who pioneered entomology for documenting the life cycle of insects in detail. Mary Anning: Self-taught paleontologist discovered important fossils, including the first complete ichthyosaurus, contributing to understanding Earth’s history. Caroline Herschel, an Astronomer, discovered several comets and was the first woman to be paid for her scientific work. Mary Somerville: Mathematician and scientist translated and explained complex works of astronomy and physics, making them accessible to a wider audience. Ada Lovelace, A visionary mathematician, wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine and is considered the first programmer in history. Maria Mitchell: Astronomer, the first woman to discover a comet using a telescope, paving the way for women in science. Elizabeth Blackwell: The first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, a pioneer in promoting medical education for women. Mary Edwards Walker: Surgeon during the American Civil War, the only woman to receive the U.S. Medal of Honor. Ellen Swallow Richards: Chemist and sanitary engineer, founder of domestic ecology, and a public health advocate. Hertha Ayrton: Electrical engineer and physicist known for her inventions and research on electric arcs and sand waves. Nettie Stevens, a Geneticist, discovered that the X and Y chromosomes determine sex in living organisms. Alice Ball: Chemist developed the first effective treatment for leprosy, known as the "Ball Method." Lise Meitner: Nuclear physicist, co-discovered nuclear fission, although she was not recognized with the Nobel Prize. Gerty Cori: Biochemist, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her discoveries about carbohydrate metabolism. Barbara McClintock, a Cytogeneticist, discovered "jumping genes" or transposons, revolutionizing genetics. Dorothy Hodgkin, a Chemist, used X-ray crystallography to determine the structures of biomolecules like penicillin and vitamin B12. Rosalind Franklin: Crystallographer, her X-ray diffraction images were crucial in discovering the structure of DNA. Rita Levi-Montalcini: Neurobiologist discovered nerve growth factor essential for developing the nervous system. Chien-Shiung Wu, An experimental physicist, conducted the Wu experiment, which contradicted the law of parity conservation. Rosalyn Yalow: Medical physicist, co-developed the radioimmunoassay technique, enabling the precise measurement of bodily substances. Gertrude Elion, a pharmacist, developed essential drugs for treating leukemia and organ transplant rejection. Jane Wright: Oncologist, a pioneer in using chemotherapy to treat solid tumors. Margaret Mead: Cultural anthropologist, her studies of indigenous societies influenced the understanding of culture and gender. Katherine Johnson: NASA mathematician, her precise calculations were essential for the success of the first human-crewed U.S. space missions. Dorothy Vaughan: Mathematician and programmer, led the computing section of NASA’s Langley Research Center. Mary Jackson: Aerospace engineer, the first Black female engineer at NASA, contributed to supersonic flight research. Mae Jemison: Physician and astronaut, the first African-American woman to travel into space. Sally Ride: Physicist and astronaut, the first American woman to travel into space. Grace Hopper: Computing pioneer developed the first compiler and popularized the idea of machine-independent programming languages. Hedy Lamarr: Actress and inventor, co-developed a spread-spectrum communication system, a precursor to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Stephanie Kwolek, a Chemist, invented Kevlar, a synthetic fiber five times stronger than steel. Lillian Gilbreth: Industrial engineer and psychologist, a pioneer in efficiency studies and ergonomics. Edith Clarke: Electrical engineer, the first woman to present a technical paper to the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. Elsie MacGill: Aeronautical engineer, the first woman to design an aircraft in Canada, known as the "Queen of Hurricanes." Marjory Stoneman Douglas: Journalist and environmentalist, a tireless advocate for preserving the Everglades in Florida. Sylvia Earle: Oceanographer, environmental advocate, and deep-sea explorer known for her research on oceans. Wangari Maathai: Biologist and environmental activist, founder of the Green Belt Movement, which planted millions of trees in Africa. Alice Hamilton: A physician, toxicology, and occupational health specialist and a pioneer in studying the effects of industrial chemicals on health. Eugenie Clark: Ichthyologist famous for her work with sharks and promoting marine conservation. Ruth Patrick: Limnologists studied freshwater ecosystems and alerted them to the impacts of aquatic pollution. Mary Leakey, a Paleontologist, made significant discoveries about early hominids and human ancestors. Biruté Galdikas: Primatologist known for her work with orangutans and the conservation of tropical forests. Lynn Margulis: Biologist developed the endosymbiotic theory, revolutionizing the understanding of cell evolution. Vera Rubin: Astronomer, her observations of galaxy rotation helped confirm the existence of dark matter. Chien-Shiung Wu: Experimental physicists made fundamental contributions to particle physics, particularly with the Wu experiment. Barbara McClintock, a Cytogeneticist, discovered "jumping genes" or transposons, revolutionizing genetics. Rosalind Franklin: Crystallographer, her X-ray diffraction images were crucial to discovering DNA's structure. Ada Lovelace: Visionary mathematician who wrote the first algorithm intended for machine processing, considered the first programmer in history. Marie Curie: Physicist and chemist, a pioneer in the study of radioactivity and the only person to win two Nobel Prizes in distinct areas. Lynn Margulis, An evolutionary biologist, developed the endosymbiotic theory on the origin of eukaryotic cells. Hedy Lamarr: Actress and inventor, co-developed a spread-spectrum communication system, a precursor to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

These women were visionaries and innovators, paving the way for new generations of scientists and technologists. Their stories inspire more women to follow careers in these fields, ensuring a more inclusive and equal future in science and technology.