The Business and Technology University (BTU) and the European Business Association (EBA) proudly organised the first large-scale Stakeholder Meeting within the framework of the EU-funded “Women Mentorship in Tech Programmes” project. This transformative initiative is a significant step towards enhancing digital human capital in Georgia, particularly for girls and women. The event took place at Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers.
Featuring keynote speeches from esteemed figures such as Mr. Nicholas Cendrowicz, Head of Cooperation of the European Union to Georgia; Prof. Dr. Nino Enukidze, Rector of the Business and Technology University; and Ms. Irina Sak, Vice President of the European Business Association, the Stakeholder Meeting set a promising tone for the initiative’s objectives.
The EU-supported “Women Mentorship in Tech Programmes” project in Georgia aims to engage 1,100 beneficiaries and 320 mentors over three seasons, promoting regional diversity by selecting at least one-third of participants from regions outside the capital. Five-month-long mentorship sessions will be organised in five key tech directions, including cybersecurity, front-end development, graphic design, digital marketing, and UX/UI design. The project’s first session starts in July, involving 100 mentees and 70 mentors selected based on a fair and transparent selection process.
The Stakeholder Meeting covered various topics related to the project’s objectives, including enhancing ICT proficiency and career prospects for women in Georgia. The project emphasises both hard and soft skills development, empowering women to compete in local and international job markets. Through industry-driven courses, the initiative contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Partnerships to achieve the Goal.
“Today more than ever, we support the Georgian people’s aspiration to join the European Union. One way to achieve this goal is by encouraging citizens’ engagement in democratic and economic processes. In 2024, this means advancing digital inclusion, especially for women. By supporting initiatives such as ‘Women Mentorship in Tech Programs,’ we aim to empower women in the digital age by addressing gaps in the information and technology sector,” said Nicholas Cendrowicz, the Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.
“Business and Technology University gratefully acknowledges the support and resources extended by the EU. Our endeavour is deeply rooted in our dedication to fostering women in technology nationwide and our unwavering social objective to empower them. Through teaching, mentorship, and skill development, we are equipping women with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age and contribute to the country’s economic development,” said Prof. Nino Enukidze, Rector of Business and Technology University.
The event saw participation from various stakeholders, experts, mentors, potential partner companies, and interested individuals committed to promoting gender equality and digital inclusion in Georgia.
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 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 Programmes” project, coordinated and implemented by Business and Technology University (BTU) and executed in collaboration with Lithuanian Women Go Tech and the European Business Association (EBA), aims to enhance digital human capital in Georgia. Specifically focusing on girls and women, the project advances gender equality and bridges the skills gap in the ICT sector. The initiative aligns with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and Gender Action Plan III, addressing digital inequalities among women and men. By addressing digital inequalities, the initiative not only benefits individual women but also contributes to the overall economic growth and stability of Georgia.
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