The project will see the Entain Foundation, the operator’s not-for-profit affiliate, donate $250,000 (£180,600/€210,600) to Girls Who Code, a non-profit organisation working to close the gender gap in technology.
The funds will be used to support the Entain Foundation’s programmes aimed at bringing young women into the technology industry, with a particular focus on the UK, US, Canada and India.
The Entain Foundation will also provide a further AUD$50,000 (£27,700/€32,300/USD$38,200) in funding to the Tech Girls Movement Foundation in Australia, an organisation that challenges gender perceptions that limit girls’ participation science, technology engineering and mathematics through community and industry collaborations.
The launch of the new initiatives coincide with International Women’s Day, and also follow a host of women appointed to senior roles at Entain, including that of new chief executive Jette Nygaard-Andersen.
“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,” Nygaard-Andersen said.
“That is why we are focusing on initiatives to support their education and build stronger pathways into technology-related careers.”
New Girls Who Code chief executive Tarika Barrett added: “This International Women’s Day, we’re excited to partner with the Entain Foundation to support young women around the world on their journey into the technical workforce.
“Our work together 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.”
Tech Girls Movement founder and chief executive Jenine Beekhuyzen said: “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.”