The last decades have seen incredible transformation in how women participate in professional life worldwide, and this is particularly true in specialized fields like intellectual property law. As I reflect on where we are today with gender equality, I think it’s important to recognize both how far we’ve come and how much work remains ahead.
Women’s empowerment is more than rankings and statistics. It’s about a fundamental shift toward equality, justice, and real opportunity for all of us. Women deserve a future free from violence, stereotypes and discrimination, where peace and equal rights form the foundation of our societies. This is what drives our celebration of International Women’s Day and what should fuel our commitment to change every single day of the year.
The Reality Behind the Numbers
Did you know that nearly one in three women worldwide have experienced gender-based violence during their lifetime? This is according to UN Women and the World Health Organization. This reality is exactly why women’s empowerment remains so critical in 2026.
And the economic side of gender inequality is equally concerning. Research from Pew Research Center shows that women earn average 85% of what men earn in the United States. Globally, women earn approximately 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. These wage gaps persist even when women do the same work with the same qualifications. It’s systemic, and it demands real solutions.
Women still face impossible choices between career advancement and family responsibilities. Many of us have to reach certain professional milestones before even considering motherhood, constantly proving our capabilities in ways our male colleagues rarely experience. And this is true despite women now representing the majority of college graduates in many countries. Sad but true!
Women Pioneers in Intellectual Property Shaping Our World: From Space to Literature
The intellectual property field has a remarkable history of female innovation and entrepreneurship. And here’s something we should be proud of: Latin America and the Caribbean are actually leading globally in this area. Women represent 21% of all patent inventors in our region—the highest rate in the world according to WIPO. That’s higher than North America at 15%, Europe at 14%, and Asia at 17%.
But let’s be honest, challenges remain. A study analyzing patents from across Latin America and the Caribbean found that only 22% of US patents granted to Latin American assignees included women inventors. And if current trends continue, we won’t achieve gender parity in Latin American patenting until 2068. We can do better than that!
Women’s contributions extend far beyond patents and trademarks. From space exploration to literature, from medical breakthroughs to environmental innovation, Latin American and Caribbean women are making their mark across every field.
Let me share six inspiring women leaders from our region:
- Sandra Cauffman from Costa Rica – NASA leader, the Deputy Director of NASA’s Astrophysics Division. Born in extreme poverty in Hatillo, San José, she grew up watching her single mother work multiple jobs. After being told she couldn’t study electrical engineering “because that’s not for women,” she moved to the United States at 21 and earned degrees in physics and electrical engineering. She worked. On the Hubble Space Telescope, Mars MAVEN mission, and GOES-R satellites. After 37 years at NASA, her legacy inspires girls worldwide. Costa Rica issued a stamp in her honor in 2017.
- Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne from Trinidad & Tobago – Currently serves as assistant program scientist for the International Space Station at NASA. She is the only woman of Caribbean descent in a top position at NASA, communicating the ISS’s scientific accomplishments to the world.
- Olga González-Sanabria from Puerto Rico – Developed a long-life nickel-hydrogen battery that powers satellites in space. Her innovation is critical for space exploration and satellite technology that we rely on daily for communications and GPS.
- Dr. María Alexandra Tamayo from Colombia – At just 24 years old, invented NanoPro, a device that filters and eliminates fungi, viruses and bacteria from water without affecting its taste, smell or color. Her innovation addresses the fact that while Colombia has the second-most water resources globally, only 8% of households have access to drinking water.
- María Angélica de Camargo from Brazil – The scientist who eveloped a quick and affordable dengue fever test that accelerates treatment for this viral disease and reduces mortality. Her invention has saved many lives in Brazil and other affected areas across Latin America.
- Carmen Naranjo from Costa Rica – One of Latin America’s most prolific writers, serving as novelist, poet, essayist, and Costa Rica’s Minister of Culture. Her work revitalized national literature and earned international recognition. She addressed social problems and Costa Rican identity through innovative literary techniques across multiple genres.
These remarcable women, together with many more, demonstrate that Latin American and Caribbean leadership extends across all fields—from space technology to crafting literature, from life-saving medical devices and restoring sight to millions to purifying water for communities in need. Our region’s women are making a global impact.
Why Gender Equality Matters for Business
Women bring essential contributions to every sector—from our homes into laboratories, boardrooms and policy chambers. Yet in many societies, these achievements are still being overlooked and minimized. We should appreciate and celebrate these contributions not just on International Women’s Day, but on a daily basis.
To achieve real equality, we need women in decision-making positions at every level. We need women sitting at every table, shaping company futures and driving innovation. And to accomplish this, we must possess self-worth, freedom and confidence. Because besides being moms, sisters or wives, we are also independent professionals in society, and classifying people based on gender is simply unreasonable.
Moving Forward Together
The intellectual property field is where women excel when given the opportunity. From patent prosecution to trademark strategy, from copyright protection to trade secret management, women IP professionals demonstrate exceptional expertise serving clients around the world.
At Eproint, we see every day how diverse perspectives enhance client service and legal strategy. Our commitment to excellence in intellectual property law reflects our belief that talent knows no gender—only dedication, skill and innovation matter. This belief is not merely theoretical—it is reflected in our daily reality. Approximately 80% of our personnel are women, many of whom hold key roles across our organization. Their leadership, professionalism and dedication are fundamental to our success. They demonstrate every day that when women are given the opportunity to thrive, they elevate not only their workplaces but the communities around them.
Across the intellectual property arena, female leadership can increasingly be seen and felt. Many law firms and professional practices are led by exceptionally intelligent, visionary and hard-working women who have helped shape the development of the field. Beyond their roles within their firms, many of these women actively participate in international intellectual property organizations that pioneer thought leadership, promote collaboration and spearhead the progress of intellectual property worldwide. Their dedication, expertise and commitment continue to inspire new generations of professionals entering the field.
True gender equality is still unrealized in many parts of the world. Progress requires continuous effort from all of us—individuals, organizations and societies.
We must:
- Provide equal opportunities across all professional levels
- Eliminate discriminatory practices in hiring, promotion and compensation
- Support women balancing career and family responsibilities
- Recognize and celebrate women’s achievements in all fields
- Mentor and sponsor emerging female leaders
- Advocate for policies that promote workplace equality
Every woman playing a significant role in your life deserves recognition and support—not just on special occasions, but every day. The importance of women’s empowerment goes beyond individual success to societal progress and economic prosperity for all.
Final Thoughts
As we continue advancing gender equality in intellectual property and all professional fields, let’s commit to creating workplaces where talent determines opportunity, where gender creates no barrier to achievement, and where diversity strengthens innovation.
Throughout history women have had to fight for their rights, and in order to continue to rise we need women at every decision-making table, shaping the future of our companies and our region. The intelligence and skill women bring to the table, our way of approaching problems and the creative way we find solutions—this is what will drive us forward.
Empowering women is not simply about fairness—it is about unlocking the full potential of our societies. When women are given the opportunity to lead, innovate and shape the future, progress accelerates for everyone.
Because when women rise, the world rises with them.
About the Author: Gabriela Bodden is a Partner at Eproint with 28+ years of expertise in intellectual property law across the Caribbean and Latin America. She is consistently ranked as a leading IP lawyer by Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, WTR 1000 and MIP Stars, specializing in trademark prosecution, patent matters, anti-counterfeiting strategies and IP protection across multiple jurisdictions.
