New project Digital Strelka aims to direct girls into the world of IT and change stereotypes in the field of technology
The Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatization (MIRRI) of the Slovak Republic in cooperation with the Digital Coalition has launched a new project Digital Strelka, which aims to support girls and young women in decision-making about studying and careers in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT).
On the occasion of the International Day of Girls and Women in ICT, a conference was held at the Joint School of Novohradská-Jur Hronec Gymnasium, which officially launched this ambitious initiative. It was the students of this school who had the first opportunity to try what profession they could pursue in the world of technology.
“Technology is now pervasive in every area of our lives, from artificial intelligence to everyday communication. It is not just about programming, but about the ability to make effective use of available tools. Slovakia has a strong technical foundation, but we need people, girls and boys, who will master these technologies and use them to their advantage. I believe in the motto that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard enough – that’s what the IT world is all about. The Digital Strelka project is not only a tool, but also a call for all of us to change stereotypes and build a digital future together," said Radoslav Štefánek, State Secretary at MIRRI SR, in his opening speech.
According to Eurostat data, the share of women among ICT specialists in Slovakia is only 14.9%, below the EU average (19%). At the same time, the European Union plans to more than double the number of professionals in digital professions – from the current 9 million to 20 million – by 2030. Therefore, Slovakia needs to make full use of the potential of its population, including talented girls and women.
A platform that connects and motivates
The main output of the project is a modern web platform www.digitalnastrelka.sk, which supports girls' decision-making about studying and careers in IT through interactive tools. Part of the platform is a test that helps to identify the strengths of the user and offers recommendations for her further development. There is also information about studies, scholarships, courses or internships.
“It would certainly help if I had a test like Digital Strelka in primary school. Thanks to him, I would find out in which sector I could work in the future. For example, when I took the test now, I found out that I should study graphic design, which I am also really interested in,” appreciated the importance of testing the first heroine of Digital Shooter and winner of the category IT Student of the Year Timea Klopčeková, who attends the Secondary Industrial School of Electrical Engineering at Hálova Street in Bratislava.
Community building is also an important element – girls can connect with schools, professionals and companies via the web. The project not only informs, but also connects and activates. In addition, the visually appealing and user-friendly interface works in a targeted manner to break down gender stereotypes.
“Digital Strelka is a project designed specifically for girls, pupils, about finding a way to digital professions that are changing the world. Many of the jobs that will be created in 5 or 10 years' time are not yet known. But we know one thing - mastering technology, critical thinking, cybersecurity or working with data is essential today. In the Digital Coalition, we are doing everything we can to ensure that especially our young people have access to these skills," said Pavol Šedo, Chief Operating Officer of the Digital Coalition.
Ministry as a leader in promoting digital equality
The project is the result of cooperation between MIRRI SR and the Digital Coalition and is based on the long-term strategy of the Ministry in the field of digital skills. Supporting women in the digital economy is firmly anchored in documents such as the National Digital Skills Strategy of the Slovak Republic, the Digital Transformation Action Plan 2023-2026 or the National Digital Decade Plan.
“MIRRIis among the leaders in promoting gender equality in the digital space. We believe that without the inclusion of women and girls, we cannot talk about a truly innovative and inclusive future. Information technology is not just about coding and stereotyping the image of ‘assholes’. Today, this world is much more diverse, offering space for creativity, modular solutions and a wide range of applications. Abroad, it has not been decided for a long time whether a woman or a man is applying for an IT position. It is the desire to learn and to move forward that determines," concluded Radoslav Štefánek.
