International Women's Day is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on UN Volunteers around the globe who serve in gender equality. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 139 UN Volunteers focus on Sustainable Development Goal 5. Noemi Mamani is one of them. She is a Digital Innovation Specialist for Gender Equality Programmes with UN Women in Bolivia. Her message—"We must build the path towards gender equality, and what better way than through tech innovation!"
Noemi started volunteering at a very young age. At 14, she was already raising awareness of gender equality. “The personal reward of seeing change in people has always driven me,” says Noemi, an economist now.
Her interest in economics and politics led her to youth networks and feminist projects. She joined the Leadership Centre for Women of the Americas, which focuses on women's empowerment. She also led digital projects at the Agency for Electronic Government and Information and Communication Technologies. There, she learned about digital innovation and how to use technology to streamline processes. This helped her connect the dots between digital technology and gender equality.
At UN Women Bolivia, Noemi collaborates with civil society organizations to address digital violence. One of her main initiatives is studying Law N.º 348, for guaranteeing women a life free of violence. She uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze hate speech on social media.
Throughout her career, she has found inspiration in the women around her. "Leadership at UN Women always seeks the common good. When I listen to them, I feel we share the same vision for achieving gender equality.”
A stereotype I face is that people think women don’t know anything about technology." Noemi Mamani, UN Volunteer Digital Innovation Specialist for Gender Equality Programmes with UN Women in Bolivia.
The impact of technology on international development is clear. “It's vital that the survey on gender-based violence, facilitated by technology, is part of Bolivia’s Bicentennial Agenda.” Despite digital progress, Noemi knows more work lies ahead. "We must create strategies and not see technology only as a tool that creates inequality. We need to view it as a powerful means for promoting and protecting women's rights and help access to information and education."
Noemi wants to develop tools to reduce online violence. Her service seeks to close the digital gap and boost women's autonomy in our deeply connected digital world.
For girls and women entering the technology sector, Noemi's message is clear, “Dream about what you want to be, and don’t be discouraged by stereotypical views. You need practice and discipline. Keep learning and improving your skills.” Noemi Mamani, UN Volunteer Digital Innovation Specialist for Gender Equality Programmes with UN Women in Bolivia.
The path to gender equality starts with the choice to act. As Noemi puts it, “I am planting a seed for new actions in favour of women.” The momentum must continue.
Noemi Mamani, UN Volunteer Digital Innovation Specialist with UN Women plays a key role in using digital tools to promote gender equality in Bolivia. @UN Women, 2025.