GEMS
Creating Space for Equal Opportunities in Digital Education
Women are underrepresented in digital and technical education – in training and higher education as well as in research and professional practice – despite a growing demand for skilled workers in ICT and STEM professions.
The reasons for this are structural barriers, stereotypical role models, and insufficiently inclusive learning environments, which make it more difficult for girls and young women to access digital competences and career pathways in information and communication technology.
Girls’ Empowerment in Digital Skills (GEMS) is an Erasmus+ project that addresses these challenges directly. In cooperation with universities, research institutions, and European organisations, GEMS develops innovative learning opportunities and empowerment formats to promote equal opportunities in digital education and to strengthen the participation of girls and young women in the technology sector. The project focuses on gender-sensitive, learner-centred educational approaches that promote creativity, active participation, and practice-oriented learning.
In doing so, GEMS contributes to an inclusive, innovative, and future-oriented education system. The project makes female talent visible, strengthens competences, and opens up perspectives for a self-determined professional future in a digital society. High-quality educational opportunities promote equal opportunities – while simultaneously developing the qualifications required by the labour market of tomorrow.
About GEMS: Project information
Project Activities
During the project period from 10/2025 to 09/2028, we work with six project partners on an innovative learning and support programme for young women in the ICT field. Key activities include:
- Development and piloting of gender-sensitive curricula and didactic methods in ICT at higher education institutions
- Educational programmes and mentoring offers for secondary school students to ensure early interest in ICT
- Targeted support for female students and young women enrolled in ICT degree programmes
- Networking with female role models from academia and professional practice
- Training for teaching staff and academic personnel on gender-responsive teaching and learning strategies
- Active involvement of parents, policy-makers, and representatives from business and industry as multipliers
- Further dissemination of project results, materials, and good practices through a web app and dissemination activities
Target Group
GEMS primarily targets secondary school students with a potential interest in ICT, as well as female students and young women enrolled in ICT degree programmes. Secondarily, the project addresses teaching and academic staff at higher education institutions, parents, policy-makers, and multipliers from industry and business.
Project Objectives
The objective of GEMS is to reduce the underrepresentation of women in the ICT sector and to promote equal opportunities in digital education. The project motivates girls at an early stage to engage with digital topics, strengthens young women in ICT degree programmes through targeted support measures, and highlights female role models. Through gender-sensitive teaching and learning approaches and the dissemination of project results, GEMS contributes to an inclusive and future-oriented education system.
Total Project Budget
€ 400.000,00
Achieving More Together
GEMS is made possible through funding from Erasmus+. Project partners involved in implementation are:
- PMF SRL (Catania, Italy)
- Tallinn University (Estonia)
- University of Ljubljana – Faculty of Education (Slovenia)
- Ramon Llull University – Blanquerna Foundation (Spain)
- Frederick University (Cyprus)
- University of Catania (Italy)
This project is funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.
