Why do some initiatives successfully encourage girls to pursue technology, while others struggle to make a lasting impact?
The newly published HER TECH Transnational Research Report (D2.2) examines this question, offering one of the most comprehensive overviews of initiatives aimed at increasing girls’ and women’s participation in ICT across Europe and beyond.
A cross-country perspective on gender and ICT
The report brings together insights from 10 countries, combining findings from national research conducted by project partners.
Using a mixed-methods approach – including desk research, surveys, and expert interviews – the study analyses existing programmes and policies designed to address the gender gap in ICT.
Rather than focusing on individual success stories, the report identifies broader patterns that cut across national contexts.
What the research reveals
The findings highlight a complex landscape of initiatives, where strong engagement often coexists with limited long-term impact.
Across countries, the report identifies several recurring challenges:
- Initiatives are often short-term and project-based
- Activities tend to be locally focused, limiting their reach and scalability
- Many programmes rely heavily on individual organisations or volunteers
At the same time, the research clearly points to factors that positively influence girls’ and women’s engagement with ICT:
- Early exposure to technology
- Supportive social environments, including family and education
- Visible role models and mentors
- Consistent encouragement across different stages of education and career
These findings confirm that participation in ICT is shaped not by a single factor, but by a combination of social, educational, and structural influences.
Understanding barriers and enablers
A key contribution of the report is its structured analysis of barriers and enablers.
Barriers include not only access-related issues, but also cultural and perception-based factors that make ICT less attractive to girls and women.
Enablers include pedagogical approaches, programme design elements, and environmental conditions that support confidence, interest, and long-term engagement.
By analysing these elements across different contexts, the report provides a clearer understanding of what does and does not work when aiming to increase gender balance in ICT.
A foundation for future action
The Transnational Research Report serves as a key milestone within the HER TECH project. It lays the groundwork for the development of more effective, evidence-based approaches in later stages of the project.
By moving beyond isolated examples and focusing on shared patterns, the report supports stakeholders in designing initiatives that are not only impactful, but also scalable and sustainable.
The full report is available HERE
