Shazia Ramzan
International Girls in ICT Day is a United Nations-led initiative that aims to empower and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and related fields. Celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of April, the event seeks to promote gender equality and bridge the gender gap in technology and science-related fields.
The International Girls in ICT Day was first celebrated in 2011 when the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) launched the initiative to raise awareness of the low representation of women in ICT. Since then, the event has grown to become a global platform for advocating and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in ICT.
The theme of International Girls in ICT Day changes every year, with each theme highlighting a different aspect of the gender gap in technology. The themes have included “Expand Horizons, Change Attitudes,” “Girls and Women in ICT,” and “Connected Girls, Creating Brighter Futures.”
The significance of International Girls in ICT Day lies in its ability to inspire and motivate girls and young women to pursue careers in ICT. The event provides an opportunity to showcase the achievements of women in the field, highlighting the diverse career paths that are available in technology. These success stories serve as beacons of inspiration, showing that with determination and passion, women can excel in ICT.
Research shows that women are underrepresented in ICT-related fields, with only 24% of all ICT jobs worldwide held by women. This is particularly true in leadership positions, where women make up only 11% of the global cybersecurity workforce, 9% of the engineering workforce, and 5% of the leadership positions in the tech industry.
The gender gap in ICT is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. Women bring unique perspectives and skills to the technology industry, and their representation is not just important, it’s crucial. Their potential to create more innovative and inclusive solutions that accurately address the needs of society is immense, and it’s time we recognize and harness it.
International Girls in ICT Day serves as a call-to-action to break down the barriers that impede women’s progress in the field. It aims to raise awareness of the gender gap and encourage girls and young women to pursue their passions in technology.
The event provides opportunities for girls and young women to engage with industry professionals, participate in workshops and training sessions, and explore potential career paths in ICT. It also serves as a platform for networking and mentorship, connecting girls and young women with successful women in the industry.
International Girls in ICT Day is an essential initiative that promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment in ICT. The event has the potential to inspire and motivate the next generation of female leaders in technology and create a more equitable future for all.
Therefore, International Girls in ICT Day is a crucial event that highlights the gender gap in technology and the need for more women in ICT-related fields. The initiative serves as a call-to-action to promote gender equality and empower girls and young women to pursue careers in ICT. By breaking down the barriers that impede women’s progress in the field, we can create a more innovative, diverse, and inclusive technology industry that accurately addresses the needs of society.
This year, the Girls in ICT Day celebrations are centred around the theme of “Leadership”. The theme not only highlights the critical need for more female role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, but also sets the stage for discussions and activities that aim to address the challenges faced by women in ICT and encourage empowerment and leadership development for a more equitable future in STEM.
Although women now fill 40% of high-skill occupations globally, their participation in ICT-related fields continues to be low. Women are underrepresented in software development, engineering, technology research, academia, and at the highest levels of policy-making. They are also more likely to leave science and technology jobs than men.
The STEM fields have the largest gender gap in leadership positions. Women in ICT often find themselves in junior or support roles with little opportunity for advancement. They are also less likely to hold executive positions, become ICT entrepreneurs, or be represented among science and technology policymakers.
The Girls in ICT Day 2024 theme acknowledges the value of female leadership in STEM and the necessity to dismantle barriers that impede their progress. By fostering more opportunities for women in leadership positions in STEM fields, we can ensure that women have a stronger voice in shaping the future of technology. This will catalyze the creation of more diverse and innovative solutions that more accurately address the needs of our society, instilling a sense of optimism and motivation.
It is crucial to showcase the accomplishments of women in leadership positions in STEM fields. This display of success instills hope, reinforcing the belief that girls and young women can also realize their aspirations and excel in STEM. The Girls in ICT Day 2024 theme underscores the significance of female representation in leadership positions in STEM fields and urges girls and young women to chase their dreams and reach their full potential.
Concludingly, the Girls in ICT Day 2024 theme underscores the significance of female leadership in STEM fields and the need to break down the barriers that hinder their progress. By creating more opportunities for women in leadership positions in STEM fields, we can inspire girls and young women to pursue their dreams and excel in STEM. It is essential to empower girls and young women to become the next generation of leaders in STEM fields, creating a more equitable future for all. Therefore, we urge all our readers to [mention a specific action or initiative related to the theme] to contribute to this cause.
