Women’s economic and technological empowerment is one of the key areas of focus for Business and Technology University. Over the past ten years, BTU has worked with international partners to develop educational programmes that help women and girls build digital skills, enter technology-related professions and expand their career opportunities.

An important milestone came in 2019 with the launch of the Coding School for Women. Initially created to increase women’s participation in technology, the initiative later developed into a broader educational platform. Today, the programme has reached more than 10,000 beneficiaries and covers areas including artificial intelligence, programming, cybersecurity, digital design, technology entrepreneurship and other fields.

Over the years, a number of large-scale projects have developed around the Coding School, including Coding School for 1,500 Women, 500 Women in Tech, Women in AI and Women’s Mentorship in Tech. These initiatives have been implemented with the support of the European Union, UN Women, USAID, the Government of Norway and other international partners.

The programmes offer more than technical training. Participants also have access to professional English courses, career development support, mentoring, leadership development and entrepreneurship opportunities. The aim is to help women turn the knowledge they gain into practical professional experience, enter the technology sector or develop initiatives of their own.

BTU has also placed particular emphasis on supporting women who face additional barriers to education and employment. The University implemented a technology empowerment project for Ukrainian refugee women, designed to help participants develop digital skills and integrate into a new professional environment.

BTU’s initiatives in women’s empowerment have also received international recognition. The University received a special UN Women award for its contribution to gender equality and women’s empowerment. It also received the UN Global Compact Corporate Sustainability Award in the Quality Education category, while its women’s technology education programme was recognised with a Grace Hopper Award.

Over the past decade, BTU’s work in this area has grown from individual educational programmes into a broad direction focused on women’s technological empowerment. 10 000+ women and girls have had the opportunity to gain new knowledge, develop professional skills, connect with mentors and employers, and begin building careers in technology and innovation.

BTU aims to further expand access to technology education, professional development and employment opportunities for women, while continuing to develop its existing programmes in new areas.

(AD)