Girls' Day 2026 at BMIMI: 70 schoolgirls discover the future of STEM careers
On the occasion of the nationwide Girls' Day, the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure opens its doors on 23 April 2026 for around 70 schoolgirls from third and fourth grade secondary school. The purpose of the campaign day is to reveal new perspectives for career choices to young girls and women and to strengthen their interest in future fields in the areas of mobility, technology and innovation.
At the start, Federal Minister Peter Hanke personally welcomed the schoolgirls and stressed the central role of innovation, mobility and infrastructure for society: “Innovation means questioning the familiar and creating new things. Mobility means self-determination and moving in different ways. And infrastructure is the foundation that makes all of this possible.”
At the same time, the minister encouraged the schoolgirls to go their own way: “Don't let anyone tell you what careers you should or shouldn't pursue. There are no limits for you, you can become anything that interests you. Have the courage and curiosity to try different things and most importantly, trust in yourself,” emphasised Hanke.
New perspectives for career choices
An interactive workshop titled “New Perspectives for Career Choices,” conducted in collaboration with the initiative LEA – Let's empower Austria, provided the opportunity to peek into different fields. During this workshop, the schoolgirls engaged with role models and challenged traditional ideas about careers. The goal was to foster new thought approaches and highlight individual strengths.
A particular focus was on practical experience. At several STEM stations, the schoolgirls could engage actively and meet female role models. At the “Combined Goods Transport” station, they gained insights into the complex logistics systems that ensure our daily supplies. The “Electro-Mobility” station focused on sustainable propulsion technologies and their significance for climate protection.
Understanding AI – questioning – shaping
For the first time, a dedicated station on the subject of artificial intelligence was offered, implemented in collaboration with Women in AI Austria. There, the schoolgirls learned how AI systems work and the role of data in the process. Especially in focus was the critical examination of so-called “bias” – distortions in data that can lead to one-sided or stereotyped outcomes. The schoolgirls learned that AI does not deliver objective truths but is shaped by humans and thus must be consciously questioned.
In addition, they could slip into different roles at a simulated press conference in the press centre of the BMIMI and engage with the topic “Rail travel and public local transport – How do I get to school safely?” The focus here was on sustainable forms of mobility, such as public transport, cycling and walking.
Girls' Day sets the course for future-proof career choices
Since 2006, Girls' Day has been held annually on the fourth Thursday in April also in the federal service, where various institutions offer a diverse programme. This year's campaign day at the BMIMI once again makes a strong statement for equal opportunities and the promotion of girls in pioneering career fields. Girls' Day 2026 offers insights behind the scenes and into where the course is set for innovation, mobility and infrastructure. Through practical insights and personal encounters with experts, barriers should be broken down and new possibilities for career choices indicated, especially in the areas of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology.