Thematic Working Group (TWG3) on Reprogramming Skills: VET as a Catalyst for Women's Digital Transitions

Within the framework of the Women in Digital Forum, TWG3 will focus on the role of VET in enabling women to enter, pivot, or re-enter digital career pathways at different life stages.

TWG3 will examine how VET systems can be transformed to better support women’s digital transitions amid rapid technological change, including AI, automation, and cybersecurity, and to address persistent gender gaps in ICT. Despite the growing demand for advanced digital skills, women continue to face structural, cultural, and institutional barriers to accessing and advancing in tech-related professions. Chaired by EVTA, with ENAIP acting as co-chair, the working group will explore how innovative VET models (such as modular curricula, micro-credentials, AI-enhanced learning guidance, and closer cooperation with industry) can respond to labour market needs while promoting inclusive, gender-responsive pathways.

Attention will be given to lifelong learning and critical transition moments, including re-entering the workforce after periods of inactivity, upskilling and reskilling in response to technological disruption, and transitioning from non-digital sectors. The TWG will analyse how VET institutions can evolve into agile learning ecosystems that align training outcomes with employability and workforce participation, thereby supporting women’s sustained inclusion in the digital economy.

Meet the Experts of TWG3:
Alessandra Chirico
Founder and Managing Director at Chirico Consulting
Cassandra Gardinier
Independent Digital Transformation & Governance Advisor for Futures Salon
Dana Mazgutova
Ing. PhD, Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic
Despoina Kaneti
Researcher at ICCS
Federica Nocerino
Open Source Advocate and Community Strategist; Ambassador of Womentechmakers & Women in Games
Irina Dimitrova
National VET Team Expert for Human Resources Development Center
Joyce O’Connor
Chair and Co-Founder at BlockW
Jūratė Balčiūnaitė
Deputy Director for Strategy and Development at Vilnius Business College
Lara D’Argento
International Trainer & Consultant – AI Literacy, DEI, Quantum
Maryam Roshanaei
Professor of Cybersecurity, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Monica Cerutti
Researcher at UN Women Italy
Ragnhild Hansen
IT & Digital Enablement Lead
Silvia Genero
Digital Skills & Innovation Specialist
Valeria Popescu
Senior Cyber Security Coordinator & Project Manager, DNSC Romania
Patrizia Souza
Geek Girls ASBL
Tatijana Rakovic
Rehabilitation Counselor & Program Coordinator at ZOPT COT