To address this challenge and help bridge the STEM gender gap, Siemens launched their flagship program – Inżynierki 4.0 (Women Engineers 4.0) – a concrete initiative that empowers female students and graduates to take their first confident steps into careers in robotics, automation, IT, and engineering.

Every year, over 120 women apply to participate. A jury selects 30 finalists, who are invited to Siemens’ headquarters for an intensive two-day workshop. The experience blends technical skill-building with real-world exposure: participants engage in hands-on sessions, learn directly from experts, and connect with successful female role models already working in the industry. 

As Marta Benedyczak puts it, “One key way to attract more women into the tech industry is by creating and promoting strong role models who can inspire and guide others. When women see successful individuals who look like them and have overcome similar challenges, it becomes easier to imagine themselves in those roles. Role models help break stereotypes and show that a career in tech is not only possible but also rewarding.”

“Equally important is supporting young women in building networks. Networking provides access to mentorship, job opportunities, and peer support. Women’s tech communities, events, and online platforms can help create these valuable connections and reduce the feeling of isolation.”, she adds.

“In order to encourage more girls to choose tech pathways, we need education that connects creativity, curiosity, and community. Tech shouldn’t be framed only as engineering or science” suggests Katarzyna. “We need school environments where all kids – both girls and boys, are encouraged to explore how tech intersects with their interests, be it games, art, social impact, or storytelling. Hands-on learning, access to role models, and safe spaces to experiment and fail – all of these make a difference.” 

The program goes far beyond technical training. For many participants, it’s the first time they truly feel seen as future professionals. Graduates often stay in touch via Discord servers they’ve created themselves, and some return to mentor the next generation.

This cycle builds more than skills: it creates belonging, confidence, and community. “The program is like a Witcher’s journey – full of inspiration, unforgettable experiences, and challenges that teach perseverance and courage,” said Anna Dyrcz, a “Girls in the Game” alumna and creator of the “Girls Mean STEM” project.

Another alumna highlighted something closely aligned with what we believe and practice at 42 Warsaw: education is first and foremost a social activity. This is especially important because learning from each other is a key skill for the future: “They showed me that game development isn’t some kind of black magic and that you can learn everything if you really want to! Everyone at CD Projekt RED was so passionate and eager to share.”

Instead of diving straight into IT specializations, Cisco shifted focus. The program began offering instructor-led courses in basic digital literacy – taught in Ukrainian, by Ukrainian speakers – and designed to build the foundation for future learning. The topics ranged from secure communication to using productivity tools to navigating the digital job market.

This was often participants’ first experience with online education. And despite the pressures of relocation, language barriers, and caregiving duties, women engaged with remarkable energy and determination: “Over 80% of surveyed women said it was a valuable experience,” Anna noted. “It wasn’t just about the tools. It was about being seen, supported, and empowered. The shift revealed something deeper: that getting into tech isn’t about ticking off credentials – it’s about creating space to learn safely, and feeling like you belong.”

Launched in early 2023 in Rzeszów, the Start IT. Cisco4Ukraine initiative has already reached over 10,000 learners in just 18 months. That impact was made possible thanks to collaborations with NGOs, universities, and local partners. The program remains open, flexible, and inclusive – welcoming people regardless of age, education level, or whether they plan to stay in Poland or move elsewhere.

And while Cisco’s expertise is in technology, the true success of the program lies beyond metrics. It’s in helping women rebuild agency, regain direction, and see themselves as part of a digital future. “Getting into tech isn’t just about ticking off credentials,” Anna reflected. “It’s about creating space to learn safely – and feeling like you belong.”