Program for the elimination of the digital gender gap #GirlsSTEAM

About the initiative

The #NiñasSTEAM Program, led by the Young Women’s Federation (FMJ), aims to reduce the digital gender gap by encouraging girls, adolescents, and young women to pursue education and careers in STEM. It builds on previous initiatives such as the #MujeresTecnológicas programme, which supported young women’s social and labour integration, including versions implemented for young Spaniards abroad. 

Today, #NiñasSTEAM focuses on raising awareness through educational materials and campaigns, digital skills training leading to ECDL/ICDL certification, and research activities that inform policies and give young women a voice. Through this comprehensive approach, the programme empowers participants, strengthens their digital competences, and supports their access to the labour market.

Objectives

The programme raises awareness and provides training to reduce the gender digital divide by facilitating access to technology for women in vulnerable situations, with an intersectional approach, especially young women with educational or employment needs. 

It also has received various awards, such as in 2018, Good Practices and Innovations for the Inclusion of Young Women in the Labour Market in the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean, promoted by the EU-LAC Foundation and EUROsociAL+ as one of the 10 most illustrative experiences due to its innovative characteristics and potential for replication. 

In 2022, it was the winner of the Digital Skills Awards Spain in the category of Digital Skills for Women and Girls. In 2025, it received an Honourable Mention in the Classroom for Equality Awards: STEAM Alliance for Female Talent, Girls in Science Awards in the category of Awards for public or private entities or organizations.

Why is it a good practice?

This initiative represents a good practice due to its comprehensive and evidence-based approach to reducing the gender digital divide. It combines awareness-raising and targeted training to promote STEAM participation among girls, adolescents, and young women, with a particular focus on those in vulnerable situations. By addressing structural barriers such as gender stereotypes, the lack of female role models, and their underrepresentation in education and the labour market, the project tackles the issue at its root.

The initiative demonstrates clear impact and effectiveness, reaching hundreds of beneficiaries through certified training programmes and thousands more through educational resources and outreach activities. Its quality and innovation have been recognised through multiple national and international awards, confirming its strong replication potential. It is closely aligned with key EU and national policy frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda, the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027, and Spain’s Digital Plan 2026. Furthermore, its participation in the STEAM Alliance for Female Talent strengthens institutional cooperation and supports coordinated action with public and private stakeholders.

The project also ensures sustainability and scalability, benefiting from long-term institutional support and stable funding. Its flexible design, including online and hybrid delivery formats, facilitates transferability and replication across different contexts, making it a robust and inspiring model for closing the gender digital gap.