HER TECH – Her Tech, Her Terms. Engagement as the key
HER TECH aims to increase the participation of girls and women in ICT (information and communication technology) studies and careers. Implemented in collaboration with partners from seven EU countries, the project addresses the persistent gender gap in the ICT sector by developing inclusive, gender-sensitive teaching frameworks and policy recommendations. Funded by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), HER TECH supports the EU’s goals for digital inclusivity and equality.
”Human capital in ICT is a key driver of digital innovation and a crucial factor in the competitiveness of modern economies. Given this, it is striking that only 2 out of 10 people employed in the ICT sector are women. ”
Empowering Women in ICT Across Europe
Even today, women remain significantly underrepresented in the ICT sector due to institutional, socio-economic, and cultural barriers. HER TECH tackles this challenge by creating tools, teaching strategies, and policies that make ICT education more inclusive and supportive for girls and women. With partners from seven European countries —Croatia, Finland, Sweden, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, and Germany— HER TECH combines a wide range of perspectives to ensure that its results can be used across different educational and cultural contexts.
The lower participation of women in ICT studies and professions is a complex issue influenced by societal stereotypes, educational practices, the lack of role models, institutional barriers, and economic disparities. By tackling these underlying factors, it is possible to pave the way for greater gender balance in the ICT sector, benefiting not only women but also the industry and society as a whole.
HER TECH in a nutshell:
- Map and evaluate existing initiatives that aim to attract women to ICT
- Develop gender-sensitive engagement strategies
- Investigate what motivates girls and women of different generations to pursue tech careers
- Create innovative digital learning materials and teacher training content
- Pilot these new methods in schools
- Propose evidence-based policy recommendations to drive lasting change
HER TECH aims to build a future where more women see ICT as a field for them—helping Europe grow through equality, innovation, and diverse digital talent.
XAMK’s role in HER TECH
XAMK is the coordinator of HER TECH’s Work Package 2: “What does and does not work”, which explores the factors that influence girls’ and women’s interest in ICT studies and careers. This work involves gathering insights from ten European countries, including the seven project partners and three additional countries. The research combines desk research and interviews. It will also include an online survey open to anyone with personal experiences related to the gender gap in ICT.
The results will be compiled into these outputs:
- National reports from 10 countries
- A transnational research report mapping relevant initiatives
- A compendium of best practices for inspiring girls and women across generations to engage with ICT
Through this work, project partners provide the evidence base that helps shape gender-sensitive teaching strategies and policy recommendations across Europe.