The EMPOWER project addresses gender disparities in ICT education by increasing girls’ interest and participation through two key interventions: gender diversity training for teachers and role model presentations by successful female ICT professionals. These initiatives aim to foster inclusive learning environments and inspire girls to envision themselves in ICT careers. The project uses a quasi-experimental design with control and intervention groups to evaluate impact. It begins with a pilot phase to refine strategies based on feedback, followed by full-scale implementation in 200 schools across multiple countries. Schools will be randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups.

Interventions include:

• Gender Diversity Training for Teachers: Equips educators with tools to recognize gender bias and apply gender-sensitive teaching methods.
• Role Model Presentations and Activities: Connects students with female ICT professionals to showcase real-world success stories and career pathways.

Data collection will involve pre- and post-intervention surveys, interviews, classroom observations, and student work analysis. Collaboration with national education authorities will ensure the interventions are scalable and sustainable, with potential integration into broader educational policies and frameworks. The project ultimately seeks to enhance gender sensitivity in teaching and boost girls’ engagement in ICT subjects.