While France faces a growing shortage of engineers and technicians, the MEDEF launches a major initiative called “Code F”. His ambition: make the feminization of scientific, technical and technological professions a strategic lever for the economic future of the country.
A worrying observation: the place of women remains fragile in tech and science
Today, the figures speak for themselves. In fact, only 15% of students in mathematics and engineering sciences are girls (MESR, 2025), while only 17% only high school graduates pursue higher studies in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
In addition, in engineering schools, the proportion of women does not exceed 30%, in constant decline since 2022 (Conférence des grandes écoles, 2025). However, according to the Montaigne Institute, France will have to train 100,000 additional engineers per year by 2035.
For his part, the economist Xavier Jaravel, achieving parity in science careers could increase national growth by 1% per year. In other words, promoting diversity in these professions is both an issue of equality and economic competitiveness.
“Code F”: a national mobilization to inspire female vocations
Placed under the patronage of the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research, “Code F” wants to change representations from middle and high school. Concretely, the idea show young girls that scientific and technological careers are accessible to them. This, thanks to concrete and inspiring testimonies.
For this, MEDEF relies on a network of ambassadors : students, professionals and entrepreneurs. These women will speak in schools, face-to-face or remotely. Already today, more than 1,300 women from scientific and technical fields are registered on the platform My Job Glassespartner of the system.
Thus, the objective is to create direct exchanges between ambassadors and middle school or high school students to encourage vocations and deconstruct gender stereotypes.
A committed ecosystem around MEDEF
Around MEDEF, many public and private actors are joining this initiative. Companies, professional federations, women’s networks, associations and major schools… together, they are invited to:
- Identify and promote their female talents.
- Encourage these women to become ambassadors.
- Relay the movement within their ecosystems.
Furthermore, the program is structured around four key pillars:
- Prideto highlight women’s paths to success.
- Girlsto remind us that every young girl has her place in science and technology.
- Futureto build tomorrow’s jobs today.
- Trainingto promote the diversity of career paths, from professional baccalaureate to engineering schools.
Virginie Fauvel and Garance Pineau: driving forces behind the initiative
Virginie FauvelCEO of Harvest and co-president of the MEDEF Digital and Innovation Commission, is the godmother of “Code F”. It plays a central role in the promotion of diversity in scientific and technical professionsrecalling that the feminization of these sectors is a question of justice and a strategic economic lever.
By his side, Garance Pineau, Director General of MEDEFactively supports the initiative and ensures that the entire ecosystem is mobilized to increase the visibility of women’s career paths in technological and scientific sectors.
A strong launch in Marseille
It was in Marseille, on October 15, 2025, that Patrick Martin, President of the French Business Movement, officially unveiled the initiative, during the Entrepreneurs Forum of the Union Patronale des Bouches-du-Rhône. This launch took place on the eve of the National Skills Competition (WorldSkills). A major event dedicated to promoting technical know-how.
During the round table “ Inspiring the girls of today to transform the professions of tomorrow »several speakers including Garance Pineau (DG of MEDEF), Véronique Saubot (Simplon) or Agnes Van de Valle (Microsoft France). They underlined the urgency of collective mobilization.
“ The feminization of scientific professions is a question of justice, but also of economic performance. Code F must become an accelerator of change », summarized Virginie Fauvel, sponsor of the initiative and CEO of Harvest.
A decisive step towards a more inclusive future
In short, by making women in science, technology and industry visible, “Code F” doesn’t just promote equality. She actively prepares the talents who will build the France of tomorrow.
To find out more: 👉 www.code-f.org
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