Girls Code It Better: Where Confidence Meets Creativity
In Europe, only 26.5–26.6% of university students enrol in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) courses, a percentage that has remained essentially stable for a decade. Despite high demand in the labour market, the number of graduates is insufficient, highlighting a persistent gender gap, especially in ICT, where women account for only 20.6% of enrolments.
To address this issue, Officina Futuro Fondazione W-Group ETS developed and launched the Girls Code It Better (GCIB) project, aiming to encourage girls to explore creative technology and digital technology in an informed and motivating way. Girls Code It Better is a 40-hour digital creativity and entrepreneurship club in which 20 girls, guided by two coaches, work on solving a real-life challenge. Using technology, the girls design and create an original solution to the challenge.
What girls create in GCIB clubs
The projects exploit the potential of various technological areas, including:
- Programming, App & Gaming
- 3D Modelling & Printing
- Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality
- Artificial Intelligence
- Electronics & Automation
- Web Design & Web Development
- Videomaking & Graphics
Impact in Italy so far
Over the years, Officina Futuro Fondazione W-Group ETS has set up 793 clubs throughout Italy, involving 530 schools, 630 teachers, 510 makers and 22,112 young people.
The Girls Code It Better Sprint
To allow every girl the chance to have this type of experience, the Girls Code It Better Sprint was created — a quick “taster” of the Girls Code It Better Club.
In a single meeting of 3 hours, participating girls are offered the opportunity to get involved with a small challenge and discover the creative potential of technology through the creation of an original and personalised digital product.
Would you like to organise your own Girls Code It Better Sprint?
Fill in the form to connect with the Officina Futuro team who will support you step-by-step in planning your first Girls Code It Better Sprint:
To discover all the details, download the GCIB Sprint Replication Kit and supporting materials, and watch the introductory webinar:
