In Chile’s rural Ñuble region, where internet connectivity and access to digital tools are limited, young girls are beginning to explore opportunities in science and technology through digital inclusion initiatives. One example is 15-year-old Jessika Hurtado, who developed an interest in technology after learning about electric circuits and communication systems. Her curiosity has led her to lead a biotechnology project that uses naturally occurring bacteria to help cilantro crops withstand extreme frost and drought conditions linked to climate change. By combining scientific knowledge with the agricultural needs of her community, Jessika demonstrates how early exposure to technology can encourage innovation and practical solutions to local challenges.
Another student from the same region, Amanda Ledesma, is applying her interest in coding to the field of geophysics. Through engagement with United Nations programmes in Chile, she is developing a prototype georadar device designed to detect underground water tables and geological faults. Amanda views digital inclusion as a pathway for new perspectives and opportunities, encouraging other girls to pursue their ideas and ambitions without hesitation.
These examples reflect the broader impact of the “Connected Communities” initiative, which trained nearly 100 girls in electric circuits through collaboration between UN Women and the International Telecommunication Union. Although Chile has one of the highest internet usage rates in Latin America, with over 94 percent of the population online, access to reliable connectivity and digital tools remains uneven in rural and remote areas such as Ñuble and La Araucanía. Women and girls often face additional barriers, including limited access to devices, fewer opportunities to develop technical skills, and persistent gender stereotypes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
The Connected Communities initiative seeks to address these gaps by expanding digital infrastructure and training opportunities. Led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Chile and supported by the Joint SDG Fund, the programme brings together government institutions, private sector actors and civil society organizations to improve digital access in underserved communities. Plans include installing more than 50 connectivity points across rural regions, providing broadband access to over 8,500 people and indirectly improving services and opportunities for more than 440,000 residents. Increased connectivity allows communities to access education, healthcare services through telemedicine, public platforms, and new economic opportunities.
In addition to improving connectivity, the initiative provides digital skills training for more than 2,000 people, including women, young people, small farmers and indigenous communities. These programmes aim to strengthen confidence, increase economic participation and support community resilience, particularly for women and girls who have historically faced limited access to digital resources.
Educational and entrepreneurial programmes further support these goals. For example, the “Connected Women” Business School trains rural women in digital marketing, financial literacy and business management, enabling them to expand their economic activities and independence. A large proportion of participants come from the Indigenous Mapuche community, highlighting the programme’s reach among historically underrepresented groups. Another initiative, the “Digital Citizenship and Gender” course, teaches older rural women about cybersecurity and the safe use of online government services, helping them navigate digital environments more confidently and securely.
The initiative is implemented through collaboration among several United Nations agencies, including FAO, PAHO/WHO, UN Women, the International Telecommunication Union and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Chile coordinates these efforts to ensure they align with national priorities and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Together, these programmes illustrate how inclusive digital transformation can empower women and girls while strengthening communities. By expanding access to technology, building digital skills and promoting gender equality in science and innovation, initiatives like Connected Communities are helping rural women and girls in Chile participate more fully in the digital economy and shape the future of their communities.
