The underrepresentation of women in ICT is not only a social equity concern, but a structural barrier to achieving Europe’s digital and economic ambitions. Increasing female participation in the digital sector is essential to address critical labour shortages, enhance innovation capacity, and ensure that digital transformation is inclusive and sustainable[1].
Eurostat, Employed ICT specialists by sex
Achieving effective and inclusive change requires a comprehensive understanding of the existing landscape. Accordingly, one of the initial milestones of the Her Tech project has been the collaborative development of a common research methodology.
Over the past months, partners have worked together through dedicated workshop, monthly coordination meetings, and ongoing exchanges to co-design a methodology that ensures consistency and quality across all countries involved. This foundational work supports the broader goals of Her Tech: to inspire, equip, and empower more women and girls to pursue careers in ICT.
With the research phase now underway, early insights are already emerging. In Belgium, for example, a policy expert interview revealed both promising practices and persistent structural challenges. Several efforts aimed at improving gender balance in digital education and the tech sector were referenced, demonstrating higher-than-average female participation in some school-based programs, particularly those integrated into the regular curriculum. In contrast, extracurricular initiatives often struggled with lower female engagement, with parental influence identified as a contributing factor.
All project partners will continue their research in the coming months. Stay tuned to discover what works—and what doesn’t—within each country’s unique context!
[1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/women-digital#tab_3
