The European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI) is an international competition for young women interested in Computer Science, lasting for one week. The Olympiad comprises of two contest days where the participants solve challenging algorithmic problems. The program is rounded off with excursions. The students will have time to socialise with other girls interested in Computer Science and to explore the host country. Each participating country may send a delegation consisting of four female participants under the age of 20, accompanied by two coaches.
The program of EGOI is similar to the one of well-established competitions such as the IOI (International Olympiad in Informatics) or the CEOI (Central European Olympiad in Informatics). Compared to these, EGOI includes all of Europe and the participation is restricted to women.
Why is an EGOI necessary?
Far less women than men decide to study or work in the field of Computer Sciences. This gender gap is even more pronounced in the Mathematical Olympiad and in the Olympiad in Informatics. The percentage of women at the Swiss Olympiad in Informatics is below 10% (2018/2019). In other countries, we can see similar numbers. At the International Olympiad in Informatics 2018, the representatives of 88 countries discussed how the gender gap could be tackled. Different participating countries reported about their experiences in their respective countries. The situation is comparable in most of them.
In 2012, the Mathematical Olympiad initiated EGMO (European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad). Starting with 19 participating countries, this number rose to more than 50 in 2019, indicating the success of EGMO.
EGOI is a similar competition in Informatics – the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics. The first edition was hosted by Switzerland in June 2021. EGOI will be hosted by a different member country each year. This ensures a sustainable and long-term impact of the project.