By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Gender equity is no longer just an aspiration but a key competitive advantage for businesses operating in Costa Rica. This was the central message at a recent forum hosted by the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE), bringing together over 100 leaders from multinational corporations and allied organizations.
The forum, titled “+ Equity Actions Beyond March 8th,” aimed to drive action and reflection on female inclusion in the business world. Major players such as Intel, Citi, Grupo Bimbo, Smith & Nephew, Edwards Lifesciences, Boston Scientific, and Accenture shared best practices for closing structural gaps in female leadership and promoting diversity. Key ecosystem stakeholders, including the Gender Parity Initiative, Vital Voices of Costa Rica, and the Afro Network, also contributed to the discussion, sharing their progress, challenges, and strategies for fostering transformation through diversity.
To provide further legal context on this complex issue, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Achieving true gender equality requires not only legislative reforms but also a fundamental shift in societal attitudes. While laws can mandate equal pay or parental leave, they cannot fully address the ingrained biases that hinder women’s advancement in the workplace and broader society. Businesses play a crucial role in fostering inclusive environments and promoting equitable practices. This includes implementing robust anti-discrimination policies, providing mentorship and leadership opportunities for women, and promoting a culture of respect and understanding.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial point that legal frameworks, while essential, are only part of the solution. True progress towards gender equality hinges on a cultural transformation that embraces inclusivity and challenges deeply rooted biases. His emphasis on the role of businesses in fostering this change is particularly insightful, as these organizations have the power to shape workplace norms and create opportunities for women to thrive. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
When a company includes one woman, it activates her potential; when it includes many, it transforms the country. At CINDE, we understand that promoting investment also means promoting inclusion, that human talent development must be a central axis of competitiveness, and this requires many more actions than those commemorated in one month of the year. Today, we know that 45% of multinational employment in 2024 was held by women and that more than half of the companies in the sector monitor gender equity indicators.
Marianela Urgellés, Director General of CINDE
The forum focused on sustained action beyond International Women’s Day, covering crucial topics like women’s inclusion in business, the progress and challenges faced by women in corporate settings, strategies for overcoming gender gaps in leadership, and the role of women’s economic autonomy as a driver of future progress. Data presented at the forum highlighted that 56% of the jobs in the life sciences sector supported by CINDE are held by women. Furthermore, over 60% of multinationals in the country monitor gender equity indicators, implementing inclusive policies related to recruitment, training, flexibility, and harassment prevention.
According to the World Economic Forum, it will take 134 years to close the gender gap worldwide, so the road is long, but we can accelerate the process. Today, in Costa Rica and specifically the multinational sector has demonstrated good practices such as co-responsibility for care, incorporation of women in non-traditional labor markets, human talent, organizational culture, among others. It is a good time to be persistent.
Cristina Trejos, Coordinator of the Gender Parity Initiative Costa Rica
Grupo Bimbo showcased its commitment to gender equity through initiatives like diverse shortlists in hiring processes and ongoing training for female talent development. As a result, 60% of their operations in Costa Rica are staffed by women, with the same percentage holding leadership positions. The forum also emphasized the importance of an intersectional approach to inclusion, acknowledging how gender, race, location, and other factors intersect to deepen inequalities.
We cannot stay halfway: diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a daily choice.
Wendy Pinnock, Activist and Founder of Zulu Consulting
CINDE reinforced its commitment to creating platforms that accelerate the inclusion of women in strategic sectors like corporate services, digital technologies, manufacturing, and life sciences. This commitment aims to reduce any gap that limits the growth and development of Costa Rica.
The forum serves as a testament to the growing recognition that gender equity is not merely a social responsibility but a critical factor in driving economic competitiveness and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for Costa Rica.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
CINDE is the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency, a private non-profit organization that has been a key player in attracting foreign direct investment to Costa Rica for over 43 years. CINDE works closely with multinational companies to facilitate their establishment and growth in the country, fostering a business-friendly environment and promoting initiatives that develop local talent.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Intel
About Intel:
Intel is a global technology company known primarily for its microprocessors. They are a major employer in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit citi.com
About Citi:
Citi is a leading global bank that offers a wide range of financial services.
For further information, visit grupobimbo.com
About Grupo Bimbo:
Grupo Bimbo is a leading global baking company with a strong presence in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit smith-nephew.com
About Smith & Nephew:
Smith & Nephew is a multinational medical equipment manufacturing company.
For further information, visit edwards.com
About Edwards Lifesciences:
Edwards Lifesciences is a global leader in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care and surgical monitoring.
For further information, visit bostonscientific.com
About Boston Scientific:
Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world.
For further information, visit accenture.com
About Accenture:
Accenture is a global professional services company providing services in strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Gender Parity Initiative
About Gender Parity Initiative:
The Gender Parity Initiative is an organization working to promote gender equality in various sectors.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Vital Voices of Costa Rica
About Vital Voices of Costa Rica:
Vital Voices of Costa Rica supports women leaders working to improve their communities and countries.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The Afro Network
About The Afro Network:
The Afro Network advocates for the rights and inclusion of Afro-descendants in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Zulu Consulting
About Zulu Consulting:
Zulu Consulting, founded by Wendy Pinnock, works on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to serving the community. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with its dedication to empowering individuals through accessible legal knowledge, distinguishes it within the Costa Rican legal landscape. By fostering a greater understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and informed society, ensuring its legacy extends beyond legal representation to societal betterment.
