How Košice IT Valley supports women in IT: Education, support and opportunities
At Košice IT Valley, we have long supported women in the IT sector and work to provide them with opportunities for education, development and career growth in the field of technology. As part of this support, we organize a number of events and activities that are aimed at educating, networking, motivating and supporting women in the technology sector and women who plan to find their future in this sector. Our aim is to create an environment where every woman can develop and succeed, regardless of the obstacles she faces.
Educational events with expertise from member companies
One of the key pillars of our activities is the educational events we organise in cooperation with our member companies. Thanks to their expertise, we offer women the opportunity to gain practical skills in a variety of technology areas – from coding to cyber security to project management. These events are designed to respond to current market needs and provide participants with relevant knowledge to help them develop their careers. In the past we have delivered events such as: International Women in IT Day, Women’s Conference, ME-management and Digital Marketing.
Networking events and consultations
In addition to education, creating networking opportunities is an integral part of our support. We organise events where women can meet, exchange experiences and build professional contacts. These types of events not only help them to gain inspiration from others, but also to find new job opportunities or potential mentors. Our activities also include individual consultations where we offer women support in solving specific problems in their careers or in developing new projects or directing their future career within IT.
Collecting data and responding to the needs of women in IT
Our activities are data-driven. We regularly collect and analyse information about the needs of women in the IT sector and use this data to tailor our activities and events to best meet their requirements. Whether it’s improving digital skills, overcoming barriers in the workplace or creating new opportunities, we respond to the real needs of women and help them achieve their career goals. The most recent survey we conducted was on barriers to IT training, and we responded to the results with tailored activities.
Making female role models visible in IT
One of the most effective ways to motivate women to enter and stay in the IT sector is by showcasing successful female role models. At Košice IT Valley, we regularly feature stories of women who have successfully established themselves in the IT sector and show that technology is not just a male domain. These role models provide not only inspiration, but also proof that with determination and support, great success can be achieved in this dynamic industry. We bring Rolemodels to women through our events or activities with students.
Dissemination of education and cooperation with professional organisations
Outreach is a key aspect of our mission. We communicate not only at conferences, online platforms or in professional discussions, but also in forums where we present the challenges and opportunities for women in IT. We believe that increased awareness and open discussion are key to more women feeling encouraged to enter the technology sector.
We also work with organisations that specialise in supporting women in IT and technology. By joining forces in this way, we are able to create more effective programmes and provide a wider range of opportunities for women who want to grow in this sector.
Conclusion
At Košice IT Valley, we are committed to continuing our efforts to support women in IT. Our educational and networking events, consulting services, data collection, and outreach are just some of the steps we are taking to help women succeed in the tech world. Our goal is to create a space where women can grow, be inspired and develop their potential in one of the fastest growing industries of today. Together, we can achieve equal opportunities and empower women in IT in Slovakia and abroad.
