About VHTO

Technology and IT are the driving forces behind progress. Yet in the Netherlands, only around 16.6% of technical jobs are held by women. This is a missed opportunity—not only for girls and women themselves, but for society as a whole. VHTO, the Dutch national expert centre for gender diversity in STEM, works towards equal opportunities in technology and IT. Because more women in STEM leads to better performance, more inclusive innovation, and stronger solutions to societal challenges such as the energy transition and digitalisation.

Our role

We translate scientific knowledge into practical tools and interventions for education and the labour market. At the same time, we advocate for structural change in policy and practice, and develop innovative solutions together with our partners.

We always work in collaboration with schools, companies, policymakers and professionals in STEM. In doing so, we show that system change is not only necessary — it is possible.

16,421 students reached

through role models

1,130 education professionals

engaged in conversations

131 role models

delivered guest lessons

20 partner organisations

involved

527 media mentions

engaged in conversations

326 technical professionals and employers

subscribers

892 new

LinkedIn followers

Facts

In 2025, we reached more students, professionals and role models than ever before. Through our programmes, we strengthen equal opportunities in technology and IT and contribute to a more inclusive future. The figures below show the impact we created together with schools, companies and role models.

Changing the system

Girls and women encounter multiple (often invisible) barriers throughout their journey into STEM. This is what we call the “leaky pipeline” — or more accurately, a pathway with obstacles.

At VHTO, we do not aim to fix girls and women.
We focus on changing the systems around them: education, career guidance, workplace cultures and policy.

We address these barriers at three levels:

Structural – policy, targets and organisational systems
Relational – interactions between teachers and students, and employers and employees
Mental – beliefs about who belongs in STEM

By tackling all three levels, we create lasting and meaningful change.

“As a country, we can no longer afford to leave technology and IT to others,” says Sahar Yadegari. “In recent years, we’ve seen just how crucial technology and IT are. That responsibility cannot be left to a select few.”

Sahar Yadegari, director