Yesterday, Gran Canaria, Spain, marked a successful celebration of the International Day of Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), emphasising the crucial need to bridge the gender gap in the tech sector. The event, organised by the ATHENA Project and the Department of Universities, Science, Innovation, and Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands in collaboration with the Canarian Agency for Research, Innovation, and Information Society (ACIISI), drew the participation of prominent personalities and organisations dedicated to promoting equal opportunities in STEM careers for women.
The ATHENA Equality project, funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 Programme and led by Consulta Europa, also played a pivotal role in the event. Beatrice Avagnina, Managing Director of Consulta Europa and an expert in innovation projects and participatory approaches, represented the project and underscored the importance of removing barriers to recruitment, retention, and career progression for female researchers, as well as addressing gender imbalances in decision-making processes.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the MUCICA study, which revealed significant insights into the vocational levels of young Canarian women in science and technology. Romina Ojeda Brito, CEO of Reboot and President of WISE Canarias, took part in a roundtable discussion where the challenges and opportunities for women in these fields were extensively explored.
The involvement of inspirational figures such as Esther Pérez Verdú, Gara Miranda Valladares, Marta Cabrera Hernández, Laura Ruiz Caramés, Purificación Jurado Antúnez, and Maria Dolores Marrero Aleman also highlighted the ongoing support from organisations like WISE Canarias and ACIISI in fostering female talent in innovation and technology in the Canary Islands.
This event not only marked a significant milestone for the tech community in Gran Canaria but also represented a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in the fields of science and technology.