Technovation Girls - Portugal
The Technovation Girls Programme is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing gender inequality in the technology sector in Portugal. This is a necessity: throughout Europe, women remain underrepresented in technology, which in turn limits both diversity and innovation. The 2023 Digital Decade country-specific report for Portugal shows a decline in the number of women employed in the Portuguese ICT sector (20% in 2023, against 21% in 2021). In part, this is rooted in cultural and educational barriers that hinder women's access to opportunities in STEM.
About this initiative
The programme takes a bold approach to counter this problem by equipping girls aged 8 to 18 with the tools and knowledge to identify challenges in their communities and create technological solutions through mobile applications or AI models. By fostering skills in programming, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship, the programme empowers young girls to not only envision but also build a future where technology is inclusive and equitable.
Methodology and approach
The Technovation Girls Programme employs a hands-on, active learning methodology that engages participants through project-based learning, collaborative exercises, and design thinking. Over the course of 12 weeks, girls work together in groups to identify issues in their respective communities, design technological solutions, and present their projects to judges, comprised of experts in the field. This structured framework is supplemented with robust mentoring from industry professionals who guide the participants at every stage. The programme emphasises inclusivity by prioritising girls from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education. By starting with participants as young as 8, the programme lays a strong foundation for challenging gender stereotypes and shaping educational and career aspirations.
Long-term vision
The Technovation Girls Programme’s ultimate goal is to foster an inclusive society: and one, where gender parity in technology is a standard. Until then, it remains committed to reducing inequality by empowering girls with essential STEM skills and entrepreneurial confidence. The programme’s community impact extends beyond its participants, inspiring societal change through the tangible solutions developed by the girls. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and building a lasting support network, the programme not only shapes future tech leaders but also contributes to a more inclusive and innovative technological landscape.
Why is this a good practice?
Several factors contribute to the programme’s success. First, its targeted training for girls creates a safe and empowering environment, fostering confidence and interest in STEM fields. This is in line with strategic objectives on EU and national level, namely the Digital Decade: ensuring 80% of Europeans have basic digital skills, and boosting the number of ICT experts to 20 million, with gender parity - by 2030. Its strong methodology that includes hands-on, practical exercises contributes to the programme's relevance and importance - not only in Portugal, but beyond.
The integration of entrepreneurship into the curriculum equips participants with the skills to transform ideas into impactful solutions. The mentoring model offers consistent guidance and showcases relatable role models, inspiring participants to envision careers in technology. Additionally, the global competition aspect motivates participants to excel while providing international exposure. The collaborative network of mentors, educators, and industry leaders ensures participants receive comprehensive support, bridging the gap between learning and real-world application.
The impact of the Technovation Girls Programme is both measurable and inspiring. In Portugal, the programme currently engages 400 girls annually,with plans to expand to 1,500 participants per year. Each cycle sees the creation of over 80 technological projects, with 50% of participants showing an increased interest in STEM careers. The programme also fosters a growing network of 200 mentors, which is projected to reach 500 in the near future - an aspect, which further demonstrates the scalability and potential for replicability of Technovation Girls.
