16 September 2024
STRADA launches Autumn and Spring programmes. The pan-European programme is the first of its kind, offering tailored leadership programme including masterclasses, one-to-one mentoring sessions and valuable networking opportunities to women from all background of manufacturing. Co-funded by EIT Manufacturing, STRADA provides leadership tools to women in manufacturing to tackle the gender gap in the industry.

The project is designed to support women living in the EU or associated countries, at different stages of their manufacturing careers, whether working in academia - researchers, lecturers, MSc and PhD students or industry. This is a joint programme run by a consortium of 9 partners from 7 countries (Spain, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, UK and Ireland), consisting of a wide pool of mentors and experts to deliver the programme and address the gender gap at the leadership levels.

Nightingale HQ are a core partner in the project and they also lead on the Leading Digitalisation masterclass. They look forward to sharing insights into how to manage and lead digital projects in manufacturing and what role systems, data and technology play in digitalisation.

CEO Ruth Kearney added

“As Europe faces a critical shortage of ICT professionals, we need to ensure that women are not left behind in the digitalisation of manufacturing. This year we are delighted to add robotics to the module and have contributions coming from KUKA. We aim to raise our game and provide women with a practical deep dive into what digitalisation means in manufacturing. Every participants regardless of technical knowledge or skills will gain exposure to the value of digitalisation and how important this is in accelerating a career in manufacturing. It’s about jumping in!

The 3-month no-cost online programme available in the English language starts on 23 Sept 2024 and runs again in the Spring 2025. The course covers topics like Developing leaders and managers, Leading digitalisation in Manufacturing, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Sustainability in Manufacturing. It also offers one-to-one mentoring sessions with experts to provide personalised professional advice.

Strada Lead Coordinator Dr. Gema Antequera shared that

STRADA is not just about reducing the gender gap; it’s about giving women the tools, confidence, and network to thrive in an industry that needs their talent.This programme is a unique opportunity for women to master leadership skills while also shaping the future of manufacturing.”

Despite the critical need for gender diversity in manufacturing, the sector still faces a significant gender gap, especially in digitalisation and leadership roles. Research shows that only one in five ICT specialists and one in three STEM graduates are women, with even fewer holding leadership positions or starting new companies. STRADA directly addresses these disparities, particularly focusing on equipping women with the skills required for Industry 4.0/5.0 environments.

The programme is co-funded by EIT Manufacturing and provides targeted leadership development to support women to overcome barriers at a crucial stage in their careers, when the absence of female peers and role models can often lead to feelings of isolation. The Strada community is rapidly growing and they are on a mission to support.

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For more information visit stradawomen.eu/

About Funders and Partners

• EIT Manufacturing establishes an innovation community and builds a network of ecosystems where people can acquire skills and find opportunities.
• CTAG – The Automotive Technology Centre of Galicia , a private non-profit research center
• Nightingale HQ, a data and technology business specialising in helping manufacturers digitalise.
• UCD, one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities and is host to I-Form, Ireland’s national research centre for advanced manufacturing
• KUKA Robotics Ireland,   one of the world’s leading suppliers of intelligent robotics, plant and systems engineering and is driving digitization in industry.
• Politecnico di Torino (POLITO), the oldest technical University in Italy
• Cleantech Bulgaria, a business network for sustainable development working closely with national and local authorities
• FabLab Bosnia and Herzegovina, innovation-driven Research and Technology (RTO) organization that develops innovative and research platforms
• LINPRA, the Engineering and technology industries association of Lithuania
• DANA Italia S.r.L , a leading supplier of fully integrated drivetrain and electrified propulsion systems for all passenger vehicles.