International Girls in ICT Day, 2024.

Written by: Aanuoluwa Sanya

Leadership

Written by: Aanuoluwa Sanya

Introduction

International Girls in ICT Day is a global event celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April every year to raise awareness about the gender gap in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field. This Day encourages girls to explore careers in technology and emphasizes that investing in girls is crucial for their individual growth and for the advancement of society.

This year’s theme for the Girls in ICT day celebrations is “Leadership,” highlighting the critical need for strong female role models in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

Encouraging Young Girls’ Interest in ICT

Less than 30% of scientific researchers in the world are women- UNESCO

In our modern digital age, possessing digital literacy is important for individuals of all genders.

Historically, STEM fields have been largely male-dominated, and while there is an obvious leadership gender gap in every sector, the largest gaps are found in the STEM fields. Often times, women in ICT find themselves in junior or support roles rather than in managerial roles, with little opportunity for career progression or advancement.

Globally, in tertiary institutions, there is approximately half the number of girls studying STEM subjects compared to boys and according to UNESCO, less than 30% of scientific researchers in the world are women. This highlights the need to empower young girls in STEM and the Women Techsters Initiative program by Tech4Dev is working actively towards changing this narrative and we do this through the Tech-Girls Drive. It is an onsite grassroot advocacy effort under the Women Techsters initiative. It is designed to create awareness and spur the interest of young girls between the ages of 8–20 years to take up careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It serves as an initial touch point for young girls who will eventually participate in Africa’s technology ecosystem.

One of the key impacts of the Tech Girls Drive advocacy program is the empowerment of girls to pursue careers in ICT. By participating in the program, these young girls are encouraged to explore their budding interests in technology and consider a future in the tech industry. The program not only exposes them to the possibilities within the field of ICT but also instills confidence, leadership skills and ambition in them to break barriers and stereotypes.

The Tech Girls Drive advocacy program has also been instrumental in promoting digital literacy among young girls in schools and communities. By providing access to resources and educational programs, the initiative is fostering a culture of learning and innovation among girls who may not have had the same opportunities otherwise. This not only enriches their educational experience but also equips them with essential leadership skills for the future job market.

By focusing on simplicity and clear communication, Tech4Dev’s Tech Girls Drive advocacy program is making a significant impact on the lives of young girls, inspiring them to explore the exciting world of ICT. Through the program, more girls are gaining confidence and interest in technology, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

Conclusion

Only 3% of students joining ICT courses across the globe are women- World Economic Forum.

Empowering young girls in ICT is crucial for bridging this apparent gap and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Encouraging girls to explore technology and pursue careers in ICT is essential for creating a more diverse and inclusive industry. By providing girls with access to education, training, and mentorship programs, we can inspire and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

The Tech Girls Drive advocacy program by Tech4Dev is making a positive impact on the lives of young girls by empowering them to explore and excel in the world of technology. By championing gender equality, inclusion and providing opportunities for development, this initiative is inspiring a generation of leadership-oriented and confident young women who can contribute significantly to the digital society.

International Girls in ICT Day serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and encouraging girls in the ICT sector, and programs like The Tech Girls Drive advocacy program are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

As an organization, we are striving to ensure inclusion for more girls in STEM and we encourage you to join us in advocating for and encouraging young girls within your communities to explore education and careers in STEM.

#HappyInternationalGirlsinICTDay2024