Girls' Day: Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in STEM

Every year, Girls' Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Originating in Germany over two decades ago, this initiative has grown into an international movement, empowering girls to explore opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields.

As a tech company operating in both Portugal and Germany, we see firsthand how diversity fuels innovation. To mark this occasion, we invited students from the German School of Lisbon to spend a morning with us, giving them the opportunity to experience the world of technology up close. Through interactive workshops, they explored the journey of product creation in the tech industry, from ideation to execution, and discovered how local initiatives can inspire future careers in STEM.After the event, we sat down with Silvia Bechmann, Global CEO of Mercedes-Benz.io. She shared her insights on supporting women in STEM and offered valuable advice for young women considering a career in this dynamic industry.

Tech Companies: Champions of Inclusion

For Silvia Bechmann, tech companies play a crucial role in driving inclusivity. She emphasises the importance of diverse hiring practices, psychological safety, and active support for underrepresented groups. At Mercedes-Benz.io, these values are deeply embedded in the company culture, ensuring that everyone — regardless of gender, age, or nationality — feel empowered to contribute and grow.

Inclusion is not just a goal; it’s a responsibility that drives innovation and long-term success.

Silvia highlights that structured diversity initiatives, mentorship programmes, and partnerships with external organisations are all essential in making STEM careers more accessible. Leadership plays a key role in this transformation, and she personally advocates for creating spaces where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but actively encouraged. While progress is being made, she stresses that continued investment in early STEM education, workplace policies, and representation is crucial for creating lasting impact.

Why Supporting Women in STEM Matters

Supporting women in STEM is essential — not just for fairness, but because diversity fuels innovation and performance. Companies must create opportunities, remove barriers, and build environments where women can thrive.

One way Mercedes-Benz.io has taken action is through The FrontEnd Academy, a programme launched in partnership with Escola 42, offering hands-on training and internships that led to full-time roles for some participants. Our CEO believes that initiatives like these are critical, but representation at all levels is just as important."Beyond hiring, retention matters. Inclusive policies, psychological safety, and mentorship help women grow and lead," she explains. Silvia also actively engages with young students, showing them the exciting possibilities within STEM. "My goal is to demystify barriers early and provide more access to this fascinating career path."

The Key Qualities for Success in STEM

To succeed in STEM, young women need to develop a strong set of skills and attributes. Silvia highlights five key qualities that can help them thrive in the industry: confidence, curiosity, resilience, problem-solving skills, and collaboration.

Confidence allows women to trust their abilities and assert themselves in decision-making spaces. Curiosity fuels continuous learning and drives innovation, while resilience is essential to overcoming challenges in a traditionally male-dominated field. Problem-solving skills lie at the core of STEM disciplines, and collaboration fosters teamwork that leads to impactful solutions.

By cultivating these qualities, young women can navigate their careers with greater assurance and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Portugal-Germany: A Model for International Collaboration

With a presence in both Portugal and Germany, Mercedes-Benz.io is a testament to the power of international collaboration in fostering innovation_. "Our workforce spans 42 nationalities, with Portuguese and German being the most prominent. This diversity is a strength, driving creativity and inclusivity."_

Silvia sees this cross-border collaboration as a unique advantage. "By embracing cultural exchange and diverse perspectives, companies can cultivate an environment where talent flourishes and innovation accelerates," she notes. Through initiatives like Girls' Day, Mercedes-Benz.io leverages synergies between both countries to promote STEM education and diversity, setting an example for other organisations aiming to build inclusive and forward-thinking workplaces.

Shaping the Future of Women in Tech and Automotive

Looking ahead, Silvia Bechmann envisions a promising future for women in tech and automotive, but she acknowledges that progress depends on companies actively shaping a more inclusive environment. These industries thrive on innovation, and diversity is essential for driving real breakthroughs.

The future of women in tech and automotive is promising, but progress depends on companies actively shaping a more inclusive environment. These industries thrive on innovation, and diverse perspectives are essential to driving real breakthroughs.

She believes that promoting role models, highlighting success stories, and encouraging diverse voices at all levels will help accelerate change and create a more balanced industry landscape.

A Message to Future Female Leaders

To all young women considering a career in STEM, Silvia Bechmann has this advice: Embrace a growth mindset. She encourages them to see challenges as opportunities, take ownership of their careers, and commit to lifelong learning.

"True leadership is not just about achievements — it is about integrity, responsibility, and uplifting others to create lasting impact," she says.

Confidence, curiosity, and resilience are essential qualities, but so is building strong networks and working together to drive change. Most importantly, Bechmann believes that leadership is rooted in authenticity — acting with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to excellence and sustainability. "By stepping forward with courage, young women can pave the way for future generations."

Final Thoughts

Girls' Day is more than just an event; it’s a call to action. As a company, Mercedes-Benz.io remains committed to breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and empowering the next generation of women in STEM.

To all the young girls out there: the future of STEM needs you. And we’ll be here, championing you every step of the way.