Inspiring the next generation: Girls in ICT Day 2025

Each year, Girls in ICT Day - celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April - encourages young women and girls to explore careers in STEM. The 2025 theme, “Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation,” calls for equitable digital inclusion, especially for girls in vulnerable situations.

To mark the occasion, HADEA is spotlighting three EU-funded projects - Code4Europe, BEE SECURE for Kids, and SIC CRO - that are actively breaking down barriers and empowering girls in tech. Behind each of these initiatives are inspiring female coordinators driving inclusive change in the digital world.

The Code4Europe Consortium is a large-scale collaboration of over 40 partners from 20 countries, united by a common mission: to transform digital education across Europe. Building on the success of EU Code Week, the initiative empowers learners and educators through innovation and partnerships, with activities ranging from classroom programming to nationwide tech initiatives. Over 1.34 million participants have been reported on the EU Code Week website, with female participation representing an average of 40% across reported figures.

To support the inclusion of girls and women in ICT, Code4Europe has launched dedicated programs such as Girls in Digital Week, offering workshops, webinars, and mentorship opportunities. The project also trains local leaders - like ambassadors and teachers - to actively encourage gender inclusion in digital spaces. These efforts aim to reshape the narrative and foster community-level support for girls in tech.

“Girls and women do not see a space for them in the digital sector - especially when it is related to coding and gaming, they feel that this is more a field for guys,” Diana Filip, coordinator of Code4Europe, mentions, reflecting on the challenges such as unconscious biases and stereotypes, the lack of visible female role models, and the absence of inclusive educational content continue to pose significant barriers that must be actively addressed.

Based in Luxembourg, BEE SECURE for Kids is part of the Safer Internet Centre, focusing on digital safety and awareness for children, parents, and educators. Through helplines, hotlines, and educational outreach, the project equips young users with the tools they need to understand and manage online risks.

Although gender inclusion has not been a major obstacle in the project, BEE SECURE’s initiatives organically promote ICT exploration among all children. By introducing technology in playful, creative ways - such as robotics, coding games, and storytelling - the project creates an environment where girls can discover digital skills at their own pace, free from pressure or judgment.

Debora Plein, the BEE SECURE coordinator, says: “Do it! A career in technology can mean so many different things – from coding, designing, project management, creating/building, being CEO, cybersecurity specialist, and much more... Stay curious and get in touch with people, networks and/or organisations and open the conversation”.

Croatia’s SIC CRO project is dedicated to improving digital literacy and safety among young people. Through community-led education, awareness campaigns, and youth engagement, it provides young users with the knowledge they need to safely and confidently navigate the digital space.

To promote the inclusion of girls in ICT, SIC CRO emphasises visibility and representation. The team includes young women in roles such as educators and digital creators, ensuring girls can see themselves in the field. The project also promotes leadership opportunities for girls and encourages them to take ownership of their digital voice and creativity.

“Girls need to realise that ICT is not just about coding - it’s really about solving problems, making a difference, and improving lives” states Nika Siprak Wendling, the SIC CRO coordinator, focusing on the encouragement needed to make tech careers feel more meaningful, approachable, and aligned with girls' interests.

She emphasises that providing access to role models, creating hands-on learning experiences, and cultivating a supportive atmosphere (free of judgment) are crucial for sparking sustained interest and enthusiasm.

Across all three projects, the message is clear: gender should never be a barrier to innovation. By starting early, making ICT relatable, and celebrating diverse role models, these initiatives are building a more inclusive digital landscape—one where girls are not just welcome, but leading the way.