Enrollment of girls in integrated technology courses at Etecs has dropped from 11,923 in 2024 to 9,392 in 2025, reflecting a significant 21.2% decline. This data, provided by the Centro Paula Souza, indicates a troubling trend for gender representation in technical education in Brazil. In contrast, over 26,000 boys were enrolled in the same programs, highlighting a stark gender disparity. The data encompasses a variety of courses, including Systems Development, Electronics, and Information Technology, all of which saw a notable reduction in female participation.

The steepest decline in female enrollment was observed in the Systems Development course, where the percentage of female students plunged from 48% in 2024 to just 37% in 2025. Such a drop raises concerns about the barriers that may be discouraging girls from pursuing technical education. Students like Geovana Carolina Jesus Pereira from Etec Parque Belém have expressed feeling impacted by being one of the few girls in predominantly male classrooms, pointing to a significant gender imbalance that could influence educational and career choices.

The decline in female representation in technology fields is alarming not only from an educational equity perspective but also for the future workforce. It underscores the need for initiatives aimed at encouraging girls to enroll in and complete technology courses. Addressing these gender disparities is crucial for fostering a more inclusive environment in tech-oriented fields, which remain vital for Brazil's economic development and innovation.