From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Empowering Girls in ICT - Event

Girls and young women remain significantly underrepresented in the world of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). pICTureURpath - Fostering gender balance in pursuing ICT related studies and professions project is on a mission to change that.

On Thursday, 25 September at 14:00 CET, the pICTureURpath project will host the online event “From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Empowering Girls in ICT” bringing together inspiring voices, thought-provoking discussions, and concrete ideas on how to break down barriers and open up opportunities for girls in ICT. The event’s working language will be English and is open to educators, parents, policy makers, ICT professionals, youth organisations, and anyone passionate about gender equality and ICT / STEAM.

This online gathering will feature an engaging roundtable discussion with:

• June Lowery-Kingston - Senior Expert on Women in Digital at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content & Technology (DG CNECT), Equality Coordinator (DG CNECT); Former Head of Unit, Accessibility, Multilingualism & Safer Internet
• Maria Stylianou - Head of QBeat Academy | Tech Leadership Coach & Consultant
• Katherine Vergara - CS researcher and Founder of Duolab, winner of the 2023 L’Oréal Chile-UNESCO For Women in Science award

Under the theme "Breaking through the code: How can we empower more girls in ICT?" the speakers will explore the challenges that keep girls out of ICT, share successful interventions, and highlight the importance of visible role models. The discussion will aim to inspire action at every level, from classrooms to policy, ensuring that girls have equal access and encouragement to thrive in ICT.

The pICTureURpath project, funded by Erasmus+ (Digital Education Call), runs for 36 months and started in April 2025. It brings together six partners from Cyprus (Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics – coordinator, Be an Ally Foundation), Greece (CHALLEDU, Directorate of Secondary Education of West Thessaloniki), the Netherlands (University of Groningen), and Italy (Quality Culture). Its goal is to identify the key factors that influence girls’ aspirations towards ICT careers, develop a pedagogical framework for teachers and educators, pilot interventions, and propose policy recommendations with high potential for impact.

Save the date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Time: 14:00 CET
Format: Online
Registration:

Follow the project on Facebook, Instagram (@pictureurpatheu), and LinkedIn (pICTureURpath EU project) or visit the project website at www.pictureurpath.eu to stay updated!