Global sports betting and gaming operator Entain is marking International Women’s Day by supporting two organizations that boost young women seeking careers in technology.
The London-based company is donating $250,000 to Girls Who Code, an international non-profit organization that attempts to narrow the gender gap in technology, and $50,000 in Australian funds to the Tech Girls Movement Foundation in Australia.
“One of the biggest impediments to career choices around the world continues to be cultural, based on preconceived notions of what society and young women themselves believe they can do,” said Entain CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen Monday in a statement. “That is why we are focusing on initiatives to support their education and build stronger pathways into technology-related careers.”
Nygaard-Andersen, the first woman to lead a U.K. gambling company, was named CEO of Entain in January. Her appointment was followed by Stella David and Vicky Jarman joining the company in February as independent non-executive directors.
Entain’s workforce is approximately 50% female, with women comprising over 30% of its technology staff.
“I’m proud to be leading a global technology company which is making real strides in promoting women’s careers,” Nygaard-Andersen said, “not just in the West, but also in developing markets like India where creating opportunities for young women is especially important.”
The donations will help both non-profit organizations expand their programs and prepare young women for careers in technology.
For Girls Who Code, which features free coding clubs, virtual mentoring and workshops, Entain’s support will “help spur the creation of a fairer and more equitable workforce, helping more women of all backgrounds rise to the top and achieve their goals of working in tech,” said Tarika Barrett, incoming CEO of Girls Who Code, in a statement.
Dr. Jenine Beekhuyzen, CEO and founder of Tech Girls Movement, noted that youth-focused initiatives are the best way to boost women in tech jobs.
“The financial contribution from Entain Foundation will directly impact our ability to reach girls interested in technology across Australia, particularly in regional and remote areas,” Beekhuyzen said in a statement.
