Young, female, science-minded

Whether in robotics, computer programming or engineering – in technical professions, women are still a clear minority. To change this, the Swiss TecLadies Mentoring Programme encourages girls aged thirteen to sixteen to cultivate their curiosity for science and technology. The Werner Siemens Foundation provided the seed funding.

Many girls lack the confidence to choose a career in technology or computer science, despite having the talent. Old stereotypes are part of the problem, and overcoming these outdated concepts by offering new role models is the purpose of Swiss TecLadies, the mentoring programme of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW), which received funding from the Werner Siemens Foundation from 2017 to 2021.

The programme is designed to interest girls in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), while also offering targeted support to highly talented young women by preparing them for a career in a technical profession. During the nine-month programme, volunteer female mentors – including mechanical engineers, computer scientists and nanoscientists – introduce the mentees – girls aged thirteen to sixteen – to the details of their technical professions.

By visiting mentors at their place of work and joining them in various activities, the mentees gain a realistic impression of the professional and personal experiences made by women in technical fields. After completing the programme, the girls receive a certificate and are awarded membership in the Swiss TecLadies Network, where they can take advantage of numerous new contacts.