Heights that Set Me Free: My Story as a Woman, Migrant, and Rope Access Technician

My name is Margarita Pinargote Navarrete. I am Ecuadorian and deeply proud of my roots. Since I was a child, I learned that effort and resilience are essential tools in life. My mother, with her tireless struggle and courage, taught me not to fear the unknown. Inspired by her, I made the decision one day to leave my country and start a new life in Chile. I jumped into the unknown, determined to build a different future for my family.

I arrived with a suitcase full of dreams and a determined heart. Alone, but with an unbreakable certainty: my mother, my sister, and I deserved a dignified, free, and fulfilling life.

My first steps in Chile were not easy. I worked as a nanny, with humility and gratitude, aware that every experience would be part of my growth. But my eyes were always set on the future. That was when I discovered the world of working at heights, a field historically dominated by men and still rarely explored by women in Latin America. I was afraid, of course. I wondered if I would be strong enough, if I would be up to the challenge. But an inner voice whispered to me: “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”

And I decided to dream it all.

I trained as a rope access technician and obtained the IRATA certification. Since then, I have experienced a constant climb, not only physically but also personally. Soon, I found myself suspended hundreds of meters above the ground, cleaning the lights of the Chilean National Congress or performing maintenance on impressive buildings in Santiago. Every day spent at heights was, for me, a declaration of principles: women also belong in these spaces, at these heights, in every sense.

I worked at the Cerro Dominador solar thermal complex, facing vertigo, extreme heat, and above all, prejudice. At more than 250 meters high, I was not only holding onto my harness, but also my story, my fears, and the deep longing to hug my mother and sister again.

One of the greatest challenges has been breaking stereotypes. Proving that a migrant woman, without a university degree but with determination and courage, can perform excellently in physically demanding tasks. I have had to face sexism, exhaustion, and my own fears. But those obstacles did not stop me. On the contrary, they became the driving force that pushes me forward.

I was also fortunate to find generous colleagues, willing to teach me with patience and respect. Thanks to them, I now have true friends and colleagues who inspire me every day.

Currently, I am part of maintenance projects in wind farms. From inspecting and repairing blades to cleaning the giant wind turbines. I deeply love what I do. Every day I wake up convinced to keep learning, to grow and contribute with excellence in a field that, although demanding, is truly exciting. Yes, there are tough days: long hours, extreme weather conditions, and the constant pressure to prove my worth. But every effort is meaningful.

Working in the energy sector, for me, means being part of change. It means betting on clean energy, on a fairer, more sustainable world. It means opening paths, breaking molds, and proving with actions that migrant women not only endure: we also lead.

Because it’s not just about climbing structures; it’s about overcoming prejudice.

And I won’t stop until I reach the top.

Today, I look back and embrace myself with pride. It has been a difficult journey, but every step has been worth it. My work is not just technical: it is symbolic, it is rebellious, it is a declaration of love and dignity. It is my way of telling the world that it is possible. That women, even in the most extreme trades, can transform realities.