HeadStart: bridging the gender gap in AI

Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming jobs, industries and our daily lives. However, this sector remains marked by a significant gender imbalance, with persistent under-representation of women in technical occupations, research and leadership. 

To address this challenge, the HeadStart project proposes a structured approach to empowering young women and AI educators, boosting their skills, confidence and career opportunities.

About the HeadStart project

HeadStart is an initiative funded by the European Commission (under EU programmes) that aims to reduce the gender gap in artificial intelligence (AI) by giving young women and educators the resources, knowledge and networks to succeed in this field.

The project is aimed at four main groups:

• Young women (15-29 years old) interested in AI careers.
• Educators and trainers responsible for teaching and inspiring future generations.
• Youth-focused organisations, which can amplify the impact in local communities.
• Stakeholders in AI education, such as decision-makers, researchers and policy-makers.

The project is led by WIDE ANDCO in Luxembourg, as well as partners Inspiring Girls Portugal, Momentum Limited Services (Ireland) and European E-learning Institute (Denmark).

A structured response to the gender issue in AI

Gender imbalance in AI-related occupations is not just a matter of representation: it also influences the diversity of thought, creativity and ethics of the technologies developed. The HeadStart project addresses these challenges by combining educational tools, inspiring resources and mentoring opportunities to foster sustainable and meaningful inclusion.

Key components of the project

1. Inspiring visual resources

The Visual Resource Showcase offers a series of interv iews of women professionals in AI, showing their backgrounds and experiences. These visual resources are designed to make AI careers more accessible and attractive to young women, highlighting concrete models of success.

2. AI Toolbox for educators

The AI Toolbox is a set of practical and interactive pedagogical modules for youth educators and facilitators. It includes several downloadable modules (e.g.: Introduction to AI, AI Ethics, Careers and Opportunities, etc.) which make it possible to:

• understand the basics of AI;
• address the ethical and responsible dimension;
• build the confidence and competence of young women with concrete tools such as ChatGPT or Canva AI.

3. Networking and mentoring

The HeadStart Networking & Mentorship Hub is designed to connect young women with AI professionals via a European directory, mentoring guides and networking sessions. This opens concrete doors to professional opportunities and creates sustainable support communities.

Why is this a good practice? 

The HeadStart project, completed at the end of December 2025, delivered concrete and measurable results in raising awareness, networking and empowering women in artificial intelligence.

Impact observed at the end of the project (end 2025)

Among the main impact areas observed:

• Creation of a European directory of women in AI, bringing together around 30 professionals from different countries and profiles (research, industry, entrepreneurship, education). This directory is a sustainable resource for mentorship, visibility and future collaborations.
• Organisation of multiple mentoring and networking sessions, reaching more than 150 people (young women, educators, mentors and stakeholders), promoting experience sharing, career guidance and the creation of support networks.
• Provision of structured educational resources, in particular the AI Toolbox and its modules, designed to be reused by educators, trainers and youth organisations beyond the duration of the project.
• Provision of the Visual Resource Showcase, highlighting the pathways of women active in AI across Europe, helping to strengthen role models and combat stereotypes related to technological careers.

The HeadStart project illustrates how a European initiative between four partner countries can creatively and effectively tackle a major societal challenge: gender equality in AI. Through practical resources, mentoring, networks and inspiring content, it offers a model that is transferable and adaptable to other European countries wishing to encourage the participation of young women in the technologies of tomorrow.