Better Internet for Kids

The Bootcamp for Girls in Portugal is an initiative that aims to promote the attractiveness of STEM education, as well as cyber and information security for girls and women, from high school to university.

According to the European Commission (EC), despite the rapid growth of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) employment sector, women are still very under-represented in this sector. In addition, according to European statistics, only 19 per cent of the professionals recruited in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are women. In Portugal, as reported by the Cybersecurity Observatory, although the number of university courses in STEM has increased, it is similar to the European average. It is therefore essential to develop activities that encourage the participation of women and young girls in these fields.

The Bootcamp for Girls in Portugal is an initiative that aims to promote the attractiveness of cyber and information security for girls and women, from high school to university. During 3 immersive days, participants are invited to meet, network, and build future relationships. The methodology of these initiatives involves the use of non-formal education and training activities led by female European trainers.

Through contact with European talents who already have experience in this field, the aim is to bring this activity to Portuguese girls who are interested in this topic, so that they can learn and train together with the best European talents.

The initiative has a diverse programme that includes training sessions with introductory and advanced levels, talks and debates on the topic of girls in STEM, digital citizenship, and online rights (such as gender inclusion and no hate speech), social moments and sessions open to the community. Throughout the initiative, there were also Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and workshops on non-discrimination and gender equality.

The Bootcamp for Girls is an initiative of the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre, in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Centre, the University of Aveiro, the Cybersecurity Challenge Portugal initiative and the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA).

From 4 to 7 July, 22 participants met at the University of Aveiro to solve cybersecurity challenges that aimed to stimulate interest in the field by providing the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in it. The Bootcamp for Girls is a unique opportunity for young women to explore the world of cybersecurity and discover their potential in this field.

Find more information about the work of the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.