Initiative #2 – National Programme for Girls in STEM

Rationale

The underrepresentation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, particularly in ICT, has a detrimental effect on their ability to compete in high-tech and innovation sectors. According to Eurostat, only one in five ICT specialists are women, and only three in ten graduates in STEM courses are women (Eurostat, 2022).

The limited representation of women in technology careers is particularly evident in leadership and research positions. This emphasises the vital need for ongoing support mechanisms that extend from primary education through to professional integration in the workforce. Early educational interventions are vital in challenging prevailing stereotypes and actively encouraging young women to explore and pursue careers in technology-related fields.

The promotion of equal participation in STEM is not only a matter of justice, but also a matter of economic importance. The inclusion of women in these sectors has been shown to increase diversity, thereby enhancing the country's competitiveness in the global market.

Details

The launch of a National Programme focused on attracting and retaining girls and women in STEM fields. The programme proposes a comprehensive and structured intervention across different phases of the educational and professional trajectory, with three axes of action: (1) Education (from preschool to the 12th grade), (2) Higher Education, and (3) Labour Market.

The objective is to mitigate and combat gender stereotypes that associate men and women with traditional roles, which significantly contribute to the exclusion of girls from STEM fields. Within the educational environment, the initiative's objective is to stimulate young girls' interest in these disciplines, encouraging them to pursue higher education courses and, ultimately, careers in these fields.

To support this transformation, a network of ambassadors and mentors will be created. These mentors will be women who, as role models, will inspire and support the development of young girls interested in these areas, helping them to achieve successful pathways.

In educational and workplace environments, this initiative aims to promote more inclusive and conducive conditions for retaining women in digital fields.

To this end, there will be a focus on ongoing training and professional development to encourage greater female representation in the digital sector.