Digital Girls ER
Digitalisation has profoundly transformed both society and the economy, further accelerating with COVID-19. With the increase in the use of digital technologies, the demand for ICT specialists has consequently grown rapidly. In Italy, in 2022, ICT specialists represented 3.9% of total employment, an increase of 27% compared to 2012. Women were only 16%.
The promotion of gender equality and women's access to STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics professions is therefore a key challenge for Emilia-Romagna. In this context, "Digital Girls ER", an extension of the “Digital Girls” launched in 2014, has the objective to reduce gender digital divide and contribute to the development of a more inclusive regional information society.
Get to know the initiative
Among the activities, there is the free laboratory-based Summer Camps dedicated to female high school students. Summer Camps take place in 10 different university locations in E-R. In addition, a completely online edition is activated to enlarge participation. To strengthen the presence in mountain and inland areas, localised editions are planned outside major cities in order to facilitate participation. In 2025, 25 different camps are currently being organised.
Girls learn how to program in a fun and creative way with the support of mentors. Participation is completely free. "Digital Girls ER" is part of a strategy within “Data Valley Bene Comune”, the E-R Digital Agenda 2020-2025 which includes "Digital Skills", aiming at the dissemination of advanced skills and awareness at all levels of age and in multiple sectors, involving citizens, schools, training institutions, businesses and trade associations.
Who are the beneficiaries of this initiative?
Beneficiaries are girls aged 15 to 17. ’Digital Girls ER' helps bridge the gender digital divide and promote women's access to STEAM professions in the Emilia-Romagna region. 'Digital Girls ER' addresses gender gaps in STEAM by providing accessible, hands-on summer camps tailored to female high school students, leading to a more inclusive regional information society.
The participants learn programming skills in a fun and creative environment, empowering them to pursue STEAM careers, which aligns with EU policy trends towards gender equality and digital literacy. The success and scalability of this project are evident in its steady growth. With increasing participation numbers and plans for further expansion, the programme demonstrates its potential to be replicated. It offers a transferable model for other regions grappling with similar challenges by leveraging regional ESF+ funds and emphasising the importance of collaboration among schools, universities, and businesses.
