Almost a year ago, we officially launched the new program "HerTechVenture" funded by the European Union, coordinated by Perspektywy Women in Tech, and implemented in collaboration with 8 partners from 5 European countries: University of Gdańsk (Poland), Stimmuli for Social Change OE (Greece), University of Macedonia (Greece), Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (Portugal), Inova Innovation Services, SA (Portugal), University of Salamanca (Spain), and Politecnico di Torino (Italy).
The project's goal is to create inclusive ecosystems within higher education institutions that challenge gender stereotypes and encourage female students to pursue career paths in the tech industry. Through comprehensive and long-term actions, higher education institutions can become catalysts for breaking stereotypes and inspiring more women to become Europe’s future tech innovators and entrepreneurs.
At five higher education institutions in Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Poland, detailed research was conducted in the areas of gender equality, inclusivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The surveys involved female STEM students as well as academic teachers. In addition, the project partners conducted interviews with female entrepreneurs from the tech sector who have successfully founded and run their own companies.
This research led to the creation of the HTV Theory of Change Report, which explores the challenges and opportunities faced by female STEM students. Its goal is to provide insights and recommendations for creating more inclusive and supportive environments for students in higher education institutions. The report outlines the current situation, barriers, and the potential for increasing the number of female students in STEM and entrepreneurship fields.
The findings from the HTV Theory of Change Report helped project partners design workshops for higher education educators. These workshops aim to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to build more inclusive teaching systems and effectively support female students in entrepreneurship and innovation.
The effectiveness of these workshops was tested during a pilot meeting held in November at the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda in Portugal. Academic staff from all five partner universities participated in the event.
The HTV Theory of Change Report, along with its accompanying research, is available on the project’s website: https://www.hertechventure.eu/project-results/
