Annually observed on the fourth Thursday in April, International Girls in ICT Day is a worldwide initiative.

This day serves the purpose of increasing awareness regarding the importance of greater participation by girls and women in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. Furthermore, it promotes the encouragement of girls and young women to pursue education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Governments, ICT regulatory bodies, businesses, academic institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs actively support this event. It provides a platform for girls to gain insights into ICT, connect with role models and mentors, and explore diverse career paths within the industry.

Purpose and Objectives

• Inspire and Empower: To inspire girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in ICT.
• Raise Awareness: To raise awareness about the gender gap in ICT and the importance of diversity in the tech industry.
• Promote Opportunities: To highlight the vast opportunities available in ICT careers and the benefits of entering the technology sector.
• Support Education and Training: To promote the importance of education and training in ICT for girls and young women.

Date and Significance

• Date: International Girls in ICT Day is observed annually on the fourth Thursday of April.
• Significance: The day aims to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to pursue careers in ICT, thereby reducing the gender gap in this vital sector.

History

• Establishment: International Girls in ICT Day was established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, in 2010.
• Global Movement: Since its inception, the day has grown into a global movement, with events and activities organized in over 170 countries worldwide.

Observance and Activities

• Workshops and Training: Schools, universities, and tech companies host workshops and training sessions to introduce girls to coding, robotics, and other ICT skills.
• Mentorship Programs: Mentorship programs pair girls with female ICT professionals to provide guidance, support, and inspiration.
• Tech Camps and Competitions: Tech camps and competitions encourage girls to develop their ICT skills in a fun and competitive environment.
• Career Talks and Panels: Industry leaders and role models participate in career talks and panel discussions to share their experiences and insights with young women.
• School Visits and Open Days: ICT companies and organizations open their doors to students, offering tours and interactive sessions to showcase the working environment and career opportunities.
• Social Media Campaigns: Online campaigns using hashtags like #GirlsinICT and #GirlsinTech help raise awareness and share success stories.

Global Reach

• International Participation: Events and activities are organized in countries around the world, engaging thousands of girls and young women.
• Collaboration: The day sees collaboration between governments, educational institutions, tech companies, NGOs, and international organizations to promote ICT education and careers for girls.

Cultural and Social Impact

• Addressing Gender Gap: By encouraging more girls to enter the ICT field, the observance aims to address the gender gap and promote gender equality in technology.
• Economic Empowerment: Providing girls with ICT skills can lead to better job opportunities and economic empowerment, contributing to overall economic growth.
• Innovation and Diversity: A more diverse ICT workforce can lead to greater innovation and a broader range of perspectives in technology development.

Key Messages

• ICT is for Everyone: Emphasizes that ICT careers are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, and encourages girls to pursue their interests in technology.
• Diversity in Tech: Highlights the importance of diversity in the tech industry and the benefits it brings to innovation and problem-solving.
• Role Models Matter: Showcases successful female role models in ICT to inspire the next generation of girls to follow in their footsteps.
• Invest in Education: Stresses the importance of investing in education and training to equip girls with the skills needed for ICT careers.

Conclusion

International Girls in ICT Day is a crucial observance that plays a significant role in bridging the gender gap in the technology sector. By inspiring and empowering girls and young women to pursue ICT careers, the day contributes to creating a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Through workshops, mentorship programs, career talks, and social media campaigns, International Girls in ICT Day encourages girls to explore the vast opportunities available in ICT, equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed in this dynamic field.