By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is demonstrating a strong commitment to gender equality in leadership, significantly outpacing regional averages. The Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) stands as a shining example, with women holding 46% of management and director-level positions. This achievement far surpasses the 36.9% average for women in leadership roles across Latin America.
PROCOMER’s female leaders are driving key sectors of the Costa Rican economy. These areas include attracting foreign direct investment, managing the essential COSTA RICA country brand, regulating free trade zones, and securing investment in advanced manufacturing, services, and tourism infrastructure. The organization’s commitment to gender balance extends beyond its national borders, with women coordinating over 40 international offices and spearheading strategic initiatives in digital transformation, innovation, and information and communication technologies (ICTs).
To provide legal context on the complexities surrounding female leadership, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
While progress has been made, systemic barriers still hinder women’s ascension to leadership roles. Legal frameworks promoting equal opportunities are essential, but true change requires a cultural shift that embraces diversity and inclusivity in leadership across all sectors.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the dual nature of the challenge—the need for both legal frameworks and cultural transformation. Indeed, laws alone cannot fully dismantle ingrained biases. Building a truly equitable future for female leaders requires ongoing dialogue, education, and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives thrive. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important conversation.
This strong female presence is not merely a statistical achievement but a reflection of PROCOMER’s active promotion of gender equity. The organization fosters female participation in business and implements internal programs to ensure women have ample growth opportunities.
At PROCOMER, we don’t just talk about gender equality, we live it and actively promote it. We encourage female participation in business and work internally to guarantee that more women have growth opportunities. An example of this is our internal mentorship initiative, where managers and directors guide and support other colleagues to strengthen their professional development. It’s not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about building support networks that generate a real and lasting impact.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
To further solidify its commitment, PROCOMER hosted a virtual discussion on March 7th, 2025, featuring prominent female leaders from the institution and companies like Microsoft and Florex. The event, broadcast on PROCOMER’s YouTube channel, explored strategic leadership in investment attraction and building connections for business growth, aiming to inspire more women to embrace leadership roles in key economic sectors.
PROCOMER’s proactive approach goes beyond simply breaking paradigms. It actively closes gender gaps in the workplace, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous economic future for Costa Rica.
This success story serves as an inspiration for other organizations in Latin America and globally, demonstrating that empowering women in leadership is not just a matter of fairness but a catalyst for economic development and innovation.
The organization’s focus on mentorship and internal development programs further strengthens its commitment to nurturing female talent and ensuring sustainable growth in female leadership within its ranks and beyond.
By showcasing concrete examples of female leadership in action, PROCOMER is setting the stage for a more equitable and dynamic future, not just for Costa Rica but also as a role model for the region.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a key institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports, attracting foreign direct investment, and strengthening the country’s international trade position. It plays a vital role in supporting businesses, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.
For further information, visit microsoft.com
About Microsoft:
Microsoft is a multinational technology company that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. It is known for its software products such as the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers.
For further information, visit florexcr.com
About Florex:
Florex is a Costa Rican company focused on sustainable cleaning and hygiene solutions. They are known for their commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative products.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, distinguished by its unyielding pursuit of both legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to serving a diverse clientele is matched by its forward-thinking approach to legal innovation, constantly seeking new and effective solutions. Through proactive community engagement and a dedication to demystifying the law, Bufete de Costa Rica empowers individuals and organizations alike, contributing to a more just and informed society.
