Invitation to Twente-based companies: Participate in Girls' Day 2026!
In Twente, the demand for technical talent has been growing for years, but the flow of new talent is lagging behind. Girls in particular are underrepresented in technical and IT fields, despite having just as much potential as boys. Girls' Day, a national activity day on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, offers companies in Twente a unique opportunity to connect with future talent at an early stage and thus contribute to a more diverse and future-proof technology sector.
Date of Publication: 16 February 2026
Read time +/- 4.1 minutes
Although the urgency is high, a lot of companies don't really feel the need to get involved just yet. But national studies show that girls often drop out too early because of stereotypical expectations, a limited view of technical jobs, low confidence in science subjects, and a lack of role models.
These obstacles keep popping up at every stage of life, creating a “career obstacle course.” Girls' Day breaks this cycle. Hundreds of technical companies in the Netherlands open their doors to girls between the ages of 10 and 15. During interactive programs, girls get to experience how surprisingly creative, innovative, and versatile technology and IT can be. A positive first experience works: previous editions show that a third of the girls who participate end up being more interested in technical education.
Why companies should participate
For companies in Twente, participation means investing in tomorrow's talent pool. The sector faces major social challenges and is in dire need of diverse technical talent. A better reflection of society also yields economic benefits, increases innovative power, and enriches teams with new perspectives.
In addition, Girls' Day is the perfect opportunity to raise your organization's profile among young people. Many companies in Twente are experiencing labor shortages, but not all of them are taking steps to develop talent at an early stage. Girls' Day lowers that threshold by supporting companies with practical tips, sample programs, and toolkits. VHTO—the expertise center behind Girls' Day - also helps match companies with schools in the region.
What is required of companies?
• Open your doors to a group of girls (aged 10-15).
• Offer an inspiring program, such as a tour, an introduction to colleagues (preferably including women), and one or two accessible hands-on activities.
• Show how diverse the work in your organization is, from programming to assembly, testing, or design.
• Work together with VHTO, which offers support through webinars, examples, and a toolkit to help you prepare for the day.
What are the benefits?
• Early contact with talent in Twente.
• A stronger regional talent pool.
• Greater visibility as a progressive and inclusive employer.
• A concrete contribution to reducing the gender gap in technology.
Join us and help build the future of Twente
Girls' Day is the perfect opportunity to inspire young people and show them that technology and IT is for everyone. By investing in visibility now, we can work together to build the technical workforce of the future – a task that we in Twente can only achieve by working together.
You can register until February 20, 2026 via VHTO:
vhto.nl/aanbod/girls-day
VHTO is part of the Worden Wie Je Bent (Become Who You Are) alliance, together with School & Veiligheid (School & Safety), Emancipator, and Movisie.
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