At HER TECH, we believe that change starts with stories — stories of people and organisations transforming inclusion into action. It is essential to showcase real examples of initiatives that empower girls and women by giving them access to education, mentoring, and career opportunities in the technology sector — to understand what works and what still needs to change.
One such inspiring story comes from Belgium, where Digitale Wolven sparks curiosity and passion for technology among children, with a special focus on encouraging girls to explore digital and STEM fields. Their work demonstrates how inclusion, early education, and representation can transform the future of tech.
“It’s still something we grow up hearing — that technology isn’t really for girls,” the Digitale Wolven team shared during our interview. “But once girls try it, they enjoy it just as much as boys. They’re equally curious and capable.”
However, to close the gender gap, it’s important to start with small things — because even small details can make a big difference.
During our conversation, the Digitale Wolven team reflected on how the design and aesthetics of educational tools can shape the way children engage with technology.
“As educators teaching technology skills to young people, we often think about LEGO Robots from LEGO Mindstorms. They’re great tools, but their colours — grey, black, white, and red — can feel more masculine. Boys often think about building races, while girls imagine dances.”
They added that the introduction of LEGO Spike marked a positive evolution:
“LEGO Spike is visually more appealing, with softer colours and creative designs — dinosaurs, bears, bugs, and even princesses or butterflies. Girls feel there’s something that speaks to them too.”
This subtle but important observation highlights that representation and inclusivity begin not only in who participates, but also in how learning tools are designed and perceived. By choosing materials that resonate with all children, educators can help bridge the gender gap from the very first learning experience.
Digitale Wolven actively collaborates with schools, communities, and companies, contributing to Flanders’ growing STEM ecosystem. Its workshops use playful, hands-on methods — from programming robots to exploring augmented reality — to show that technology is not only about coding, but also about creativity, imagination, and problem-solving.
The team shared that the most rewarding moments often come from the feedback of parents:
“From time to time, we get small messages — for example, after a holiday camp where we ran a programming workshop with LEGO robots. One parent told us: ‘It’s amazing that my daughter joined this. She never considered STEM studies before, but after this workshop, she wants to explore them!’”
These moments show how early, positive experiences can shift mindsets and inspire girls to see themselves as future engineers, designers, or innovators.
Digitale Wolven stands as a powerful example of how community-driven initiatives can make technology more accessible and appealing to all. By meeting girls where they are — in classrooms, after-school clubs, and holiday camps — and by creating experiences that feel relevant and inclusive, they are changing the narrative of who belongs in tech.
Their story is a reminder that representation matters, that early education shapes aspirations, and that inclusion starts with design, opportunity, and empathy.
Learn more: www.digitalewolven.be
