HaDEA-managed projects advancing digital skills and inclusion for girls and women

International Girls in ICT Day 2026 was celebrated on 23 April under the theme “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future”. This theme emphasises the role of girls in shaping technological innovation. 

Particularly, it aims to promote economic independence by equipping girls with digital skills that are increasingly essential in the modern workforce; as well as to reduce gender gap in the technology sector.

The Digital Europe Programme not only funds initiatives in key strategic sectors but also seeks to attract underrepresented target groups, such as girls and women, into the information and communications technology (ICT) sector through programmes and initiatives targeting women and girls. HaDEA, as the implementing agency, manages some of these projects. Let’s dive into two examples.

• The Estonian Safer Internet Centre (SIC) partly focuses on awareness raising via the organisation of training sessions, seminars, and educational games aimed at children, including girls, parents and teachers, and the general public. Among the most attractive themes used during several sessions was the introduction of artificial intelligence in the educational environment, which sparked heated discussions among the participating youths on the challenges and opportunities of implementing artificial intelligence in education. The Estonian SIC collaborates with initiatives such as HK Unicorn Squad, where schoolgirls are introduced to technology through hands-on activities: building devices, experimenting with electronics, and solving real problems. These early beginnings matter because they reshape perceptions through the first practical steps of dealing with technology. Instead of seeing IT as abstract, girls learn to navigate technical tools and associate them with creativity, problem-solving, and impact. Mastering these initial steps is the defining moment they first consider a future in technology.
• The Greek SIC actively promotes ICT, digital skills, and digital literacy through a wide range of awareness, educational, and youth engagement activities, helping girls engage with technology not only as users, but also as informed, active, and creative members of the digital environment. One example of the SIC’s activities is the Youth Panel, which brings together children and young people from across Greece and gives them an active voice in online safety, digital citizenship, and media literacy. Another activity of the project is the annual Cybersecurity competition, which has become particularly attractive for many girls as well. Participants are introduced to core areas of cybersecurity while strengthening important skills, such as problem-solving. This is especially important for girls, who may not always see themselves represented in technical fields despite having strong interest and ability.

Background

The Digital Europe Programme (DEP) aims to build the strategic digital capacities of the EU and to facilitate the wide deployment of digital technologies. With an overall budget of €8.1 billion, out of which €0.8 billion is managed by HaDEA, the programme will support investments in the following sectors:

• High Performance Computing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity and Trust
• Advanced digital skills
• Best use of Digital Capacities and Interoperability
• Semiconductors

HaDEA manages actions under Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Digital Skills and Best use of Digital Capacities and Interoperability.

The network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs), co-funded under the Digital Europe Programme, aims to raise awareness about online safety issues and to mitigate the risks children and young people are exposed to. More information about Safer Internet Centres - the "Safer Internet" factsheet.