Technology is inevitably changing the world around us—shaping the way we live, work, and communicate. New occupations are defining our digital civilization, yet we face a major challenge: this civilization is currently being built and shaped predominantly by men. To change this landscape, it is crucial to encourage greater involvement of girls and women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
AFA: Empowering Women through Innovation
In the fight for a more equitable digital future, the AFA (All For All) organization plays a vital role. AFA is a global community dedicated to the economic empowerment of women through innovation and technology, which serve as the primary drivers of economic and societal development.
AFA’s focus is on the digital education of women, their active involvement in creating digital civilization, and the strong promotion of STEM fields among girls. Through education, mentorship, “Youth Ambassador” programs, hackathons, and networking, AFA contributes to increasing women’s participation in technology and building a more inclusive and secure digital society.
Eye-Opening Numbers: Where are the Women in STEM?
Even though technology is developing at a rapid pace, the statistics regarding women’s participation in it remain concerning:
- Every second woman in the world is digitally illiterate.
- In Serbia, as many as 57% of women lack basic digital literacy.
- Girls make up only 35% of students at STEM universities.
- In the IT sector, women represent only 25% of the workforce.
- In the era of automation, between 50 and 200 million women worldwide will need to transition and upskill by 2030, or they risk losing their jobs.
The data on when girls drop out of technology is equally concerning. Research shows that interest starts to decline early, between the ages of 11 and 14. In elementary school, 31% of girls believe that coding and programming jobs “are not for them.” By high school, this percentage rises to 40%, and by the time they reach college, 58% of girls completely rule out the possibility of pursuing these careers. The main reasons include a lack of female role models, STEM being presented primarily through male-oriented interests, and deeply rooted stereotypes.
4MOGIS: A Game-Changing Platform
To provide direct and tangible support to girls, the AFA organization developed the 4MOGIS platform (4mogis.com). This innovative networking and educational platform was created to bring together girls, mentors, companies, and organizations in one place to co-create a more equal digital future.
The focus of the 4MOGIS platform is on practical steps that help girls step into the world of technology and innovation:
- Connecting with Mentors and Companies: Girls get the opportunity to learn from top experts, receive career guidance, and get a direct look at what the occupations of the future look like in leading companies.
- MOGIS Ambassadors: The platform promotes talented girls who become advocates for STEM and inspire their peers to explore these fields.
- Activities and Education: The platform hosts practical activities such as roadshow workshops, company visits, and meet-up events that combine learning, teamwork, and fun.
Announcement: MOGIS Business Hackathon in Belgrade!
As an exciting example of these activities, a large live hackathon will be organized in Belgrade in late September as part of the MOGIS Business project. This event will gather 50 girls from all over Serbia—both high school and university students—who will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity.
The girls will work in small teams of five on developing technology-based concepts and solutions for predefined problems. Throughout the hackathon, 10 expert mentors will provide guidance and support, giving teams invaluable practical knowledge and insights into real-world IT and business processes.
Why Equality Matters for Society as a Whole
Interestingly, women once dominated the programming field—the very first programmers were women (such as the famous “ENIAC Girls”), and up until the 1980s, coding was widely considered a female profession. Today, the lack of women in the jobs of the future leads to innovations that do not reflect the needs of society as a whole.
When technology is created exclusively by men, we get products that are not tailored to women. The examples are numerous:
- Car seatbelts are designed based on male body measurements, making them up to 75% less safe for women.
- Popular health-tracking applications did not even include period-tracking features in their early versions.
- Medical drugs are still tested predominantly on men and are often not equally effective for women.
- Even smart assistants, body armor, and office temperatures are calibrated and designed according to male standards.
Technology is Not a Choice, but a Necessity
Understanding technology and entering STEM fields is no longer just a career choice for women—it is a necessity to remain relevant in the labor market, access the highest-paying professions, and secure the well-being of their families and communities.
Through the resources offered by the 4MOGIS platform and initiatives like the upcoming hackathon, AFA encourages young girls to be brave, trust their talents, and—with the support of expert mentors—leave their unique mark on shaping a digital civilization that belongs to all of us.
Danijela Boberić Krstićev, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad