Closing the Digital GAP International

The Closing the Digital Gap (CTDG) program is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing women’s inclusion in the rapidly growing tech sector in Netherlands and Spain. A program co-financed by Erasmus+ and run in a collaboration between Zwarte vrouwen voor Technologie in the Netherlands and Building Bridges in Spain. In countries where gender disparity in tech remains a significant challenge, this project focuses on providing free digital and tech training to women, especially those at risk of social exclusion due to factors like economic hardship, low educational background, or cultural barriers. By equipping these women with digital skills, we’re opening doors to greater employment opportunities and fostering a more diverse, inclusive workforce.

We're excited to announce that we've completed the first round of the Closing the Digital GAP upskilling program in the Netherlands. Eleven enthusiastic participants gained essential digital and technical skills and worked on their personal development. For many, this program marked their first steps into the world of digital work, the technology industry and professional development. Each session brought them closer to the program's core mission: closing the digital gap and empowering talent with practical, future-proof knowledge to improve their current work or transform it into a job in IT.

The tech industry in Spain and the Netherlands is thriving, with the tech job market expected to grow by more than 50% over the next decade. Despite this growth, women remain underrepresented in many tech roles, making it essential to create programs that actively address these gaps. By offering accessible and free tech training, the CTDG project ensures that women, especially from marginalized communities, can participate in and benefit from the booming digital economy. It’s not just about closing a skills gap, it’s about ensuring that the voices of all women are heard and represented in the future of work.

In May the workshop series has started with the workshop Cybersecurity Awareness, led by our project lead Miljorha Martin, an essential introduction to navigating the digital world safely. In an age where phishing, data breaches, and online fraud are increasingly common, participants learned how to protect their personal and professional information. The workshop made it clear that cybersecurity isn’t just for IT specialists it’s for anyone engaging with digital tools and spaces.

Next came the LinkedIn Marketing workshop, where participants explored how to stand out in the digital job market. With practical guidance on personal branding, networking, and understanding the platform’s algorithm, they learned how to leverage LinkedIn as a powerful professional tool. Participants gained confidence in crafting a strong online presence and learned how to attract new opportunities.

The CV Building and Search Engine Skills session followed, led by Jo-Anne Snip and Miljorha Martin teaching participants how to build a clear and compelling CV and how to use search engines to find job opportunities that align with their goals. This workshop emphasized that a good CV is only part of the process knowing where to look and how to present yourself online is just as important.

One of the most valuable workshops was Negotiating Salary and Assignments, led by Imane B’Lyou. This session was an eye-opener for many participants. They learned how to recognize and articulate their value, and how to approach negotiation with strategy and confidence. Through examples and interactive exercises, participants discovered that negotiation is not just about boldness, it’s about preparation and clarity.

A key milestone in the program was the Programming workshop, guided by Su-Yen Donk. For many, it was their first real encounter with coding. The hands-on session demystified programming and revealed that it can be both logical and creative. Participants saw that once you take the first step, tech becomes approachable and learnable, regardless of background.

The Data Analysis in Excel session, held at the Ondernemerswinkel, became an unexpected favourite. Many participants admitted they had always thought data analysis was too difficult or not for them. But under the guidance of Marianne Dorder-Servet and Miljorha Martin, they discovered that Excel is a user-friendly tool for identifying trends and gaining insights from data. The workshop gave them the confidence to analyze and interpret data in a practical way.

The workshop, AI Content Marketing, again led by Sharesca Clara, introduced participants to AI tools like ChatGPT. They explored how to use AI to enhance content creation. Making it more efficient without losing authenticity. Participants learned that AI can be a creative partner, helping them structure, write, and plan content that aligns with their personal or professional goals.

The final workshop No-code website building in WordPress led y Marianne Dorder-Servet and Deborah Sylvester focused on building websites without too much coding. We close this first cycle with the same enthusiasm and skillset as we started.

Each workshop in this series served as a building block in the development of CTDG participants. From visibility to security, from data to expression, from strategy to innovation. They learned that they are not only capable of navigating the digital world but also of actively shaping their role within it.

The coaches Shirley Herts, Saskia Sambo-Kingsale and Jane Echteld have done a phenomenal job with guiding the Dutch CTDG talents throughout the three months with the personal coaching sessions.

It was an amazing start and a basis to move on!

In September, the second round of Closing the Digital GAP will start in the Netherlands. If you want to gain necessary digital skills, build confidence, and create real opportunities for your future, this is your chance.

Applications are open until 25 August 2025 for the September group of the Netherlands. Visit zvvt.nl/closing-the-digital-gap for more information and registration in the Netherlands.

In September 2025, we are excited to launch the Spanish workshops as part of the CTDG project. This marks a key milestone as we aim to provide hands-on training to women across Spain, empowering them with digital and tech skills for a brighter future. As we reflect on the progress made by Dutch counterparts, Zwarte Vrouwen voor Technologie, who have successfully completed the first workshop cycle, we are motivated by the achievements and eager to deliver impactful results in Spain. The expectation is clear: these workshops will serve as a powerful tool for creating lasting change and breaking down barriers for women in the tech sector.

Join a community that’s learning, growing, and ready to lead in the digital age.