EU-Funded Women Mentorship in Tech Programmes Celebrates Milestone Success at BTU
The Business and Technology University (BTU) proudly announces the successful conclusion of the first season of the EU-funded initiative “Women Mentorship in Tech Programs.” The project’s closing event marked significant achievements, highlighting the program’s substantial impact on promoting gender equality and enhancing women’s involvement in the technology sector in Georgia.
The event featured motivational speeches from notable guests, including Prof. Dr Nino Enukidze, Rector of BTU; Ms. Lucia Di Troia, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia; Mr John Braeckeveldt, President of the EBA Board; Ms Jolanta Jurgaityte, Board Member of Women Go Tech Lithuania; and Mr Tornike Tokhadze from the Information Technology Association of Georgia. These distinguished speakers underlined the program’s role in empowering women with essential digital skills and career development opportunities.
Over the five-month program, with the EU’s support, 101 participants completed mentorship sessions in five tech disciplines: cybersecurity, front-end development, graphic design, digital marketing, and UX/UI design. The program’s fair and inclusive selection process ensured broad regional representation, with at least one-third of participants coming from areas outside the capital. By equipping participants with in-demand digital skills, the EU-funded initiative contributes to local workforce development, fosters economic growth, and strengthens Georgia’s ICT sector. The program also supports regional development by expanding employment opportunities and empowering women to actively participate in the country’s digital transformation.
“The EU is committed to promoting gender inclusivity in the ICT sector and empowering women in the technology field in Georgia. Through this EU-funded initiative, 101 talented Georgian women and girls have already completed mentorship sessions in 5 technology disciplines: cybersecurity, front-end development, graphic design, digital marketing, and UX/UI design. In total, we aim to have 1,100 beneficiaries participate and learn even more in their respective ICT disciplines. It is an investment in the digital future of Georgia,”- stated Ms. Lucia Di Troia, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.
Prof. Enukidze, Rector of BTU, stated: “We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments achieved through the ‘Women Mentorship in Tech Programs.’ This initiative is not just about learning digital skills – it’s about transforming lives, breaking barriers, and building confidence for women in Georgia’s growing tech sector. The support of the European Union has been instrumental in making this vision a reality. By promoting gender equality and empowering women, we are fostering innovation and ensuring a more inclusive future for our digital economy. BTU remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive positive change and create new opportunities for all.”
“The European Business Association is proud to support the “Women Mentoring in Tech Programmes”. This initiative plays a vital role in fostering innovation within the business sector development and strengthening Georgia’s digital economy by training skilled professionals. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Business and Technology University and every graduate on the successful completion of the program, wishing them continued success in their future endeavours,”- stated the President of the European Business Association, John Braeckeveldt.
The event brought together mentors, lecturers, industry representatives, stakeholders, and experts to reflect on the program’s progress and discuss future plans. Key topics included the importance of mentorship in bridging the digital skills gap, strategies to enhance women’s participation in the tech industry, and the role of public-private partnerships in fostering innovation. Experts shared insights on the current trends in ICT and the need for continued investment in capacity-building programs. Participants shared their success stories, illustrating the positive impact of mentorship on their personal and professional growth. The event also presented key findings, such as increased employment opportunities for EU-funded program graduates and strengthening Georgia’s digital economy through skilled professionals. The event also welcomed interested individuals from the tech and business sectors, fostering networking opportunities and discussions on future collaborations. Additionally, the event underscored the program’s alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Decent Work. The EU-funded program aims to expand its reach by incorporating more advanced courses, strengthening partnerships with industry leaders, and developing long-term mentorship structures to ensure continuous professional growth for participants.
About the European Union
For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation, and financial support. The relationship between the EU and the citizens of Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia: https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/
About the project
The EU-funded “Women Mentorship in Tech Programs” project, coordinated by Business and Technology University (BTU) in collaboration with Lithuanian Women Go Tech and the European Business Association (EBA), aims to advance gender equality and bridge the skills gap in the ICT sector. By addressing digital inequalities and fostering mentorship, the initiative contributes to Georgia’s economic growth and stability while aligning with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and Gender Action Plan III.