Attention for IT & Cybersecurity During Girls’ Day 2026

During Girls’ Day, hands-on experience took centre stage. The pupils took part in a variety of workshops that introduced them to IT in an engaging and playful way. At the TU Delft Science Centre, they explored the inner workings of technology by literally taking devices apart, while HackShield taught them the basics of ethical hacking. In the Experimenteerhuis, nursing student Irem introduced them to innovations in healthcare technology. Full of new impressions, the pupils moved enthusiastically from one workshop to the next, with the GameLab emerging as a clear highlight.

The programme was part of IT Verband Zuid-Holland (ITVZH), a regional initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration, nurturing talent and driving innovation within the IT sector. Security Delta (HSD) played a connecting role by bringing HackShield Future Cyber Heroes into the mix for the event, who taught the pupils the basics of ethical hacking. 

Turning ideas into playable games

At the GameLab, HBO-ICT student Amber Koens showcased how she creates her own games. You come up with an idea, build it, test it and see it work, Amber explains. That’s what makes it so enjoyable. She also highlighted the importance of early exposure: “Everything I wanted to learn when I was younger, I had to figure out on my own. That’s exactly why it’s so valuable that they are being introduced to it now.”

Her advice to the pupils is simple: Stay curious and try things out. Don’t limit yourself, because all courses and careers are open to both girls and boys. After her talk, the pupils had the opportunity to try out her games, along with many others, which led to plenty of enthusiastic reactions.

Why this matters

Girls’ Day once again made it clear that IT is everywhere and connected to almost every societal challenge. Different perspectives are essential when addressing these challenges.

“At its core, IT is about people. It is precisely this human aspect that calls for diversity. Different ways of thinking lead to stronger solutions. Women often approach things slightly differently, which works very well in team collaboration” Arianne explains.

However, these diverse perspectives are still far from standard in the IT sector. Many girls indicated that they see technology as something more suited to the boys in their class. Stereotypes play a role in this perception. This is exactly where the challenge lies: breaking down that image and creating space for a more inclusive future in IT.

The first step into an unfamiliar world

For many pupils, Girls’ Day is a first introduction to IT, and that makes a difference. Student Pooja Khemai (Information Security Management) recognises this starting point and shares her experience:

“At first, I found it quite daunting as well. You are often one of the few women in the class. But by engaging in conversation and working together, I realised that I could really find my place. IT is not just a man’s world.” 

Working towards a diverse future

Through Girls’ Day, the Dutch Innovation Park contributes to a broader mission: educating a diverse group of professionals who can address complex societal challenges. By introducing pupils to IT at an early stage, the step towards a technical degree becomes smaller. And that is necessary, not only to increase the number of women in IT, but above all to improve technology itself.

The aftermovie of Girls’ Day 2026 will follow soon!

About ITVZH

IT Verband South Holland contributes to the sustainable development of IT talent for SMEs in South Holland. With support from the National Growth Fund, WE-IT, IT Campus Rotterdam, the Dutch Innovation Factory and Security Delta (HSD) are joining forces to strengthen education and training programmes, intensify research and development projects, and stimulate collaboration between SMEs and education providers. The ultimate goal: to reduce the shortage of IT talent in small and medium-sized enterprises.

The IT Verband Zuid-Holland programme aims to tackle the growing talent shortage for SMEs in South Holland and is a collective effort of WE-IT Zuid-Holland, Dutch Innovation Factory, Security Delta and IT Campus Rotterdam.

Source: DutchInnovationPark.nl