There is practically infinite talent available in Europe – but sometimes this talent is not well identified or supported, which risks its potential going to waste. Given the importance of making women fully active participants in Europe’s recovery, a fundamental pillar of which is the digital transition, it is the aim of Huawei to recognize the immense potential that female talent has – and to proactively support it, empowering girls to lead the tech revolution.
This week, the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age is being held in Lisbon. Among over 1200 applicants from all over Europe, over the summer a professional jury had selected 27 participants for this week-long programme of masterclasses, team projects, active learning and group activities, themed dinners and cultural experiences.
During her welcoming remarks to the participants on Monday evening in Lisbon, Sandra Ribeiro, President of the Portuguese Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality said: ”In the near future, the participants of the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age can become very influential and powerful women in the tech industry. I hope that you will help creating a more equal and open world”.
“The Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age is not only a gift for each individual participant, but it is even more a gift for the whole newly emerging network”, underlined Lina Gálvez Muñoz, Member of the European Parliament, during her welcoming address to the participants on Monday evening in Lisbon.
“A leader is more than a highly-skilled professional. A leader truly inspires others to follow different models and to contribute to a more balanced society”, pointed out André de Aragão, Portuguese Secretary of State for the Digital Transition, during his remarks to the participants on Tuesday in Lisbon.
Catherine Chen, President of the Public Affairs and Communication Department, Huawei, said ahead of the price winning ceremony for the inaugural 27 participants of the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age: “Over my 26 years in the ICT industry, I have been keenly aware of the gender gap in the industry. Both Europe and China are facing this problem. The EU is pioneering in its attempt to address this. And this is where companies like Huawei can play a key role. It is my pleasure to address 27 young talented women and I hope they will take away from here not just what they have experienced this week but also a thirst and a desire to fulfil their potential. So we can all become role models of the future.”
Berta Herrero, Programme Director of the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age, said: “Today we are empowering 27 young women to shape the tech world, but tomorrow we want their example to inspire many others. They will be among the leaders of Europe’s next generation of change makers – a generation whose key challenge will be to make sure that no one is left behind in the digital age. We are proud of having developed a unique concept that blends female leadership skills with insights on new technologies, and we are committed to keep supporting European talents and inclusive innovation”.
About the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age:
As part of Huawei’s broader initiative Seeds for the Future, the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age represents the company’s continued commitment to furthering digital inclusion; specifically, closing the gender gap, and creating a world where women are empowered to not just participate, but to thrive and lead us into the digital future. More such events will be announced in the coming months.
