ICT Training: A Pathway for the Reintegration of NEET Women

With the growing demand for professionals with advanced skills in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), coding training has emerged as an effective solution for reintegration into the labor market. This article discusses the importance of ICT training as a means of social and professional inclusion, highlighting the positive impact it can have on the lives of women who are ” Neither in Employment, Education, or Training” (NEETs) in Europe.

ICT Training for the Reintegration of NEET Women

Characterization of NEET Women in Europe

NEET women (Neither in Employment, Education, or Training) represent a vulnerable group facing significant challenges in terms of social and professional inclusion. In 2023, 12.5% of young women aged 15 to 29 in the European Union (EU) were classified as NEETs, compared to 10.1% of men in the same age group, revealing a clear gender disparity. Countries such as Romania and Greece have the highest rates of NEET women, with over 24%, while the Netherlands and Sweden have the lowest rates.

This phenomenon tends to be more pronounced among women aged 25 to 29, due to various factors, such as social pressures that emphasize women’s role in family care and difficulties in returning to the labor market after motherhood. Women also tend to hold lower-paying and less stable jobs. Another concerning factor is that a large proportion of these women are not actively seeking employment, indicating a deeper disconnection from the labor market.

Despite these challenges, NEET rates in the EU have been declining. In 2023, the total percentage of NEETs (men and women) dropped to 11.2%, reflecting the European Union’s ongoing efforts to promote youth inclusion in the labor market.

Growing Demand for Coding Skills

The demand for ICT professionals in Europe continues to grow, driven by the digital transformation affecting various sectors. The most sought-after areas include software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and cloud computing. It is projected that by 2025, Europe will need approximately 1 million new professionals in the ICT sector to fill critical skill gaps.

With the advancement of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), sectors like virtual and augmented reality are expected to need more than 860,000 professionals by 2025. This shortage of qualified professionals presents a significant opportunity for NEET women, who can take advantage of Coding training to improve their employment prospects.

Impact of Coding Training on the Employability of NEET Women

Coding training can have a transformative impact on the lives of NEET women, offering them a new opportunity for labor market integration and professional advancement. Some of the benefits of this training include:

Reduction of Gender Inequality: ICT training can help bridge the gender digital divide, promoting equal opportunities in the labor market.
Access to Growth Sectors: Coding offers entry into expanding industries with high demand for skilled workers.
Flexible Work: Many ICT professions allow for remote work, which is a significant advantage for women with family responsibilities.
Improved Financial Conditions: Careers in technology are often better paid, providing a significant opportunity for improving living conditions.

Coding4WIN Project: Digital Empowerment for NEET Women

The Coding4WIN project responds to the need to equip NEET women with the digital skills necessary for their reintegration into the labor market. This project, supported by Erasmus+, aims to offer training in Coding and other digital skills, tailored to the specific needs of women aged 25 and over who face professional integration challenges.

Coding4WIN involves six partners from five European countries (Denmark, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and Turkey) and will run for 24 months (from November 2023 to October 2025). INOVA+ is part of the consortium.

Among the project’s initiatives are the Coding4WIN Curriculum, the Digital Knowledge Hub, and the Coding4WIN Serious Game, which use innovative methodologies, such as micro-learning and educational games, to make the learning process more accessible and inclusive. Coding4WIN aims not only to introduce NEET women to the digital world but also to provide them with the tools necessary to thrive in a highly competitive labor market.

ICT training, particularly in the field of Coding, represents a unique opportunity for the reintegration of NEET women into the labor market. The growing demand for digital skills, combined with projects like Coding4WIN, offers a clear path to social and labor inclusion for these women, helping to reduce gender disparities and promote greater equality of opportunity.

Did you know that INOVA+ has a team dedicated to cooperation for the development of training and education skills? This team works on European projects, in the context of school education, adult education, higher education and professional training. Learn more here!