International Girls in ICT Day: Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Technology
International Girls in ICT Day is a global initiative aimed at encouraging and empowering girls and young women to pursue careers in the fields of information and communication technology (ICT). Celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of April, the day serves as a platform to promote gender equality in the tech industry and to inspire the next generation of female leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Origins and Purpose
International Girls in ICT Day was established in 2011 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. The initiative was launched to address the gender gap in the ICT sector and to encourage more girls and young women to consider careers in technology. By creating a global movement, the ITU aimed to foster an environment where girls are empowered to pursue opportunities in the digital world.
The inception of International Girls in ICT Day dates back to 2010 when the ITU's Plenipotentiary Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico, adopted Resolution 70. This resolution highlighted the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering women through ICT. The first celebration took place in 2011, and since then, it has grown into a global movement, observed in over 170 countries with thousands of events reaching hundreds of thousands of girls and young women.
Significance in Today's Digital Age
In an increasingly digital world, ICT skills are essential for participation in the global economy. However, women remain underrepresented in the tech industry. According to data, only 29.2% of STEM workers are female, and just 12.4% hold high-level leadership roles such as Vice President or C-suite positions. Moreover, women constitute only 30% of the AI workforce, highlighting the persistent gender gap in emerging technologies.
International Girls in ICT Day seeks to address these disparities by promoting digital literacy among girls and providing them with the tools and confidence to pursue careers in ICT. By doing so, the initiative contributes to building a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
Global Celebrations and Activities
Each year, International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated through various events and activities organized by governments, educational institutions, NGOs, and private sector companies worldwide. These events include workshops, seminars, coding boot camps, hackathons, and mentorship programs designed to expose girls to the possibilities within the ICT sector.
For instance, in 2025, the global celebration is co-hosted by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Arab States regions, featuring a hybrid event with live links between Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and Nouakchott, Mauritania. Distinguished panelists from around the world participate in discussions, and the event is live-streamed for a global audience.
Private companies like Cisco also actively participate by organizing events that offer inspiration, support, and learning opportunities. Cisco's initiatives include online and in-person events, global learn-a-thons, and community engagement activities aimed at equipping girls with essential ICT skills.
Impact and Reach
Since its inception, International Girls in ICT Day has made significant strides in promoting gender diversity in the tech industry. By 2022, more than 362,000 girls and young women had participated in over 11,000 celebrations across 171 countries. These events have provided participants with exposure to ICT careers, hands-on experience with technology, and access to mentorship from industry professionals.
The initiative has also led to the creation of various programs aimed at sustaining interest in ICT among girls. For example, the African Development Bank's Coding for Employment program reserved half of its training slots for women applicants to commemorate International Girls in ICT Day, demonstrating a commitment to fostering female participation in technology.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the progress made, challenges remain in achieving gender parity in the ICT sector. Societal stereotypes, lack of role models, and limited access to education and resources continue to hinder girls' participation in technology fields.
To overcome these barriers, it is essential to implement comprehensive strategies that include policy reforms, educational initiatives, and community engagement. Creating supportive environments, providing mentorship opportunities, and showcasing successful female role models in ICT can inspire more girls to pursue careers in technology.
Conclusion
International Girls in ICT Day serves as a catalyst for change, promoting gender equality and empowering girls to become active participants in the digital economy. By encouraging girls to explore careers in ICT, the initiative contributes to building a more inclusive, innovative, and diverse tech industry. As we continue to navigate the digital age, fostering female participation in technology is not only a matter of equity but also a driver of economic growth and societal advancement.
Photo from: iStock
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