Digital Practice and Equal Opportunities in Denmark: Microsoft Initiative
Microsoft is committed to playing a key role in upskilling the digital skills of Danish citizens by the end of 2024. With the goal of strengthening the Danish economy through inclusive and sustainable recovery, Microsoft is focusing on increasing access to digital skills that are crucial for the future job market in Denmark.
The initiative "Digital Practice and Equal Opportunities in Denmark" spans a wide range of educational activities and actively collaborates with public institutions, industry, civil society, education and research institutions. This approach is already contributing to the comprehensive digital upskilling of Danish society.
Microsoft's initiative at a glance: digital skills & equal opportunities
Microsoft has taken several concrete steps to achieve these objectives. An extra DKK 25 million will be invested in technical training of IT experts, and free LinkedIn Learning courses and career tools will be offered to all Danes. A new partnership with Digital Dogme will further expand access to upskilling and strengthen the data basis on the digital competence landscape in Denmark.
Breaking gender stereotypes in IT
An essential part of Microsoft's commitment is to address the gender imbalance in STEM sciences. Statistics show that only 1 in 3 students in IT programmes are women, and parents' expectations of gender play a crucial role. According to the DEAfrom 2019, 70% of parents have different expectations of boys and girls, and tend to think boys are more interested in technology and IT than girls, which is not often the case.
Getting parents on board
To correct this imbalance, Microsoft is launching a campaign encouraging parents to support children's curiosity about technology. The campaign acknowledges that although the industry suffers from labour shortages, this is especially reflected in the enrolment in IT programmes, where the number of women is very low. It is crucial for the skilled workforce of the future to involve more girls and spark their interest in the IT industry.
To implement good digital practices in Danish society, it is crucial to invest in education at all levels. Microsoft's extensive initiatives, including technical training, free courses and partnerships, illustrate the importance of working with different sectors to get to a digitally savvy population. At the same time, the campaign to change parental attitudes is a key component in addressing gender dynamics and creating equality in the STEM field. Microsoft's initiative is a step towards shaping a digital future for Denmark that is inclusive, sustainable and fair for all.
Why is this a good practice?
Digital equality is a key focus of Microsoft's initiatives to ensure that everyone has equal access to and opportunity to reap the benefits of digital technology. The initiative is central to reaching the targets of the EU Digital Decade: getting to 20 million ICT specialists employed by 2030, and seeing at least 80% of EU citizens possess overall digital skills. Through a range of programs, Microsoft is working to break down barriers to access to technology and increase diversity in the tech industry.
The initiative offers several training and education programmes aimed at strengthening digital skills amongst women, minorities and other marginalised groups. In addition, Microsoft supports the development of innovative technologies that address the specific needs of these groups, such as accessibility features for people with disabilities. This makes it score high in accessibility and inclusivity, as training and resources are free and made available upon request. These are also tailored depending on the individual level of digital competence.
Another strength of the initiative is the co-creation and cooperation element at its very heart. By partnering with governments, education institutions, training centres, and non-profits from all over the world, Microsoft strives to improve inclusion and supports a digital society where everyone gets an opportunity to participate, learn and thrive. The initiative contributes to bridging digital divides and creates opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and social development not only in Denmark but throughout the globe. A commitment to digital equality is key to shaping a fairer and more sustainable digital future.
