Mexico City is committed to innovation and AI to empower women

More than 50% of the workforce in Mexico City (CDMX) is made up of women, according to the study *Women and Economic Autonomy*. Some of these women are microenterprise founders, which is why digital platforms and artificial intelligence play an important role in the professional development of their businesses.

In this context, the CDMX government, through the Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedeco), is promoting innovation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost the businesses of women entrepreneurs in the nation's capital.

One example of this is the free "Mega Classes" organized by the local government. At these events, technology companies with platforms such as CANVA, Bitso, and Mercado Libre—to name a few—share their knowledge and experience with small business owners in Mexico City.

"We've partnered with companies like Meta, Instagram, and Canva so they can use tools— many of which are free, that allow them to improve their online presence and advertising, have more secure systems for selling online, and—why not?—even reach international markets," notes Sedeco Director Manola Zabalza Aldama.

In an interview with Contxto, Zabalza Aldama explains that the Mega Classes aim to teach small and medium-sized businesses in Mexico City how to use technology to grow and improve their projects. 

"These classes are designed to help businesses learn how to sell online, better manage their resources, optimize their inventories, access more credit options, and, in general, turn technology into an everyday tool to strengthen the city's economy," explains Zabalza Aldama.

A Technological Revolution in the Capital

Over the past 20 years, Mexico City has been undergoing a technological revolution thanks to tools such as artificial intelligence, social media, and new forms of digital communication; these three elements are transforming the way business is conducted in the nation's capital and throughout the rest of Mexico, the public official notes.

"Because of these factors, we must ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises acquire the tools that will allow them to compete in an increasingly globalized and technological world," says Zabalza Aldama.

The first indicator of the success of the Mega Classes is that the capital's residents—both women and men—continue to request more technology events of this kind, says the head of SEDECO. "Every day we receive requests to hold new classes, due to the impact they have on people's businesses," she adds.

According to data provided by the Secretariat itself, more than 7,000 pesos are spent on these technology events, a figure driven by the exponential growth of businesses that are launched and operate online.

Women at the Center

The free Mega Class on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Advertising, aimed at women entrepreneurs in partnership with CANVA, attracted more than 4,000 attendees.

"We are building a model where technology is no longer exclusive but becomes an accessible tool for everyone. These partnerships allow us to bring useful, practical, and free knowledge to those who need it to grow their businesses," said Manola Zabalza Aldama, Secretary of Economic Development.

The so-called "nenis"—that is, new female entrepreneurs who run their businesses primarily online—have grown significantly over the past five years. In light of this, the Mexico City government aims to provide them with the necessary tools to carry out their business ventures.

"What we want in the city is for talent, knowledge, ingenuity, and creativity to be supported by the government and for us to be able to integrate technology into everyday life," concludes Zabalza Aldama.