What does a future in industry really look like? And what kinds of opportunities do careers in STEM open up? To encourage more young women to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics early on, the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education, together with the FEMWORX career congress, is hosting a dedicated “Female Forward” program day as part of HANNOVER MESSE.

Taking place on April 23, 2026, the initiative will welcome 12th-grade female students to the FEMWORX platform at the Hannover exhibition grounds. The goal is to give them a clearer understanding of both academic pathways and career options within technical fields. By introducing these possibilities before students make decisions about higher education, the program aims to support more informed choices and inspire greater participation of women in STEM.

The day begins with an informal meet-and-greet session featuring Lower Saxony’s Minister of Education, Julia Willie Hamburg. Students will then attend the official opening of FEMWORX, setting the tone for a day focused on exploration and exchange.

“FEMWORX represents momentum, the modern face of industry, and the transformation toward greater visibility, diversity, and true equal opportunities,” says Lower Saxony’s Minister of Education, Julia Willie Hamburg. “With our joint program for female students, we want to pass this energy on to the younger generation. We want to welcome these young women into our networks and show them that they are essential.”

“HANNOVER MESSE demonstrates every year how vital technological innovation is for our future. With FEMWORX, we are creating a platform where young women can gain early insights into industry and technical careers,” says Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG. “Direct exchange with engineers and industry experts can help students make more informed decisions about their academic and career paths.”

The FEMWORX program day is part of the joint efforts by the Ministry of Education and Deutsche Messe to inspire young women to pursue technical degree programs and careers at an early stage.

Throughout the event, participants can join a range of FEMWORX sessions, offering insights into real-world industry experiences, emerging technologies, and career development. They will also have time to explore the exhibition area, where companies and organizations present opportunities within the technical and industrial sectors.

A key moment of the program is a discussion featuring finalists and winners of the Young Engineer Woman Award. These young professionals will share their personal stories—how they entered the field, the challenges they faced, and what motivated them to pursue engineering careers.

Students will also engage with Barbara Schwarze, Chair of the FEMWORX Advisory Board and a well-known advocate for women in technical professions. Her perspective will add depth to conversations around gender representation and long-term career growth in STEM.

Overall, the “Female Forward” program is designed not just to inform, but to inspire—helping young women see themselves as part of the future of industry and innovation.

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