Girls' Day: inspiring girls in technology!

Girls' Day is a nationwide initiative aimed at girls aged between 10 and 15. Companies and local authorities open their doors to give this target group an introduction to engineering and technology, with the aim of inspiring and motivating them. This year, Thales is also participating. 

Women are often not sufficiently aware of the wide range of career opportunities within engineering and technology. In addition, they frequently lack female role models in their immediate environment. That is why it is important to introduce them to companies such as Thales, where they can see that a career in technology is also a realistic and attractive choice for women.

During Girls’ Day, our sites in Hengelo, Huizen and Eindhoven welcomed pupils for an inspiring and varied programme. The girls took part in tours of R&D labs, production areas and test facilities, attended workshops and demonstrations (including electronics, radar, liquid nitrogen and cyber security), and explored real‑world applications of technology such as 3D design and 3D printing. This gave them a broad and practical insight into how technology works and the career opportunities within the engineering sector.

“I didn’t realise engineering was so broad — how great!”

“The number of women in engineering is increasing, but not quickly,” saysAccording to Techniek Nederland, companies with a more diverse workforce, including a higher proportion of women, are more creative, more innovative and perform better.