Latest news with #GirlsinICTDay
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Rural women entrepreneurs at the heart of training
CYBERJAYA: The Communications Ministry is targeting the participation of 7,000 rural entrepreneurs, particularly women, through the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi). Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative aims to empower more online entrepreneurs by equipping them with the necessary skills to expand their businesses through e-commerce. 'Our target this year is to reach 7,000 participants, with the goal of equipping more online entrepreneurs with the skills to grow their businesses using e-commerce platforms. 'This is a key initiative under Nadi aimed at supporting local economic development and empowering communities,' he said. Fahmi noted that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), through Nadi, continues to enhance digital literacy and support rural entrepreneurs. As of March, 4,000 entrepreneurs have been trained under the programme, of which more than 3,390, or approximately 85%, are women. 'They use fast Internet not just to improve their skills but also to reach new markets. 'In some cases, I found that they were producing products for international markets. Some even earn more than politicians,' Fahmi said at an event held in conjunction with Girls in ICT Day (GICT) and the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) yesterday. Fahmi also stressed the importance of online safety, saying that as the ministry embraces technological advancement, it must remain vigilant about digital security. 'Building a secure and responsible tech-driven environment is crucial to helping all Malaysians thrive in today's connected world. 'This is where MCMC plays its part – by fostering a safer, more resilient digital ecosystem through efforts such as combating cyber threats, protecting personal data, and educating users, particularly vulnerable groups,' he said. Fahmi also highlighted Malaysia's achievements under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), saying it has been pivotal to the nation's progress in connectivity. 'To date, over 9.03 million premises have access to high-speed Internet and fibre connectivity, exceeding our original target of nine million by 2025. 'As a result, mobile broadband speed has reached a median of 105.36 Mbps, and Internet coverage in populated areas rose to 98.66% in Q4 2024, moving steadily towards full coverage by 2025,' he said. Fahmi added that with the successful rollout of 5G, coverage as of April 30 stands at 82.4% in populated areas, with a mobile penetration rate of 61%. 'Connectivity is now unlocking access to knowledge, opportunities and new experiences, not just in education but across industries as we work towards progress in multiple areas,' he said. The event, organised by the ministry through MCMC, is held annually on May 17. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) aims to raise awareness of the transformative role of information and communications technology (ICT) in global development with a focus on building a more inclusive and digitally connected society. Held alongside WTISD, the GICT initiative focuses on empowering women and girls to pursue careers and leadership roles in the tech sector. This year's programme, themed 'Gender Equality in Digital Transformation', brought together policymakers, industry players and youth leaders to explore how digital innovation can advance inclusion, gender equity and sustainability. In celebration of the ITU's 160th anniversary, a commemorative stamp was also unveiled. Also present at the event were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC executive chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and Kishore Babu Yerraballa, ITU area representative for South-East Asia and other member states in Asia and the Pacific.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Communications Ministry aims to train 7,000 rural entrepreneurs in 2025
CYBERJAYA: The Communications Ministry aims to train 7,000 rural entrepreneurs in 2025 through the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi), which is managed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that as of March 2025, a total of 4,000 entrepreneurs had received training – of whom more than 3,390 (approximately) 85%, were women, marking significant progress in empowering women within the sector. He said the initiative seeks to empower more online entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills needed to grow their businesses through e-commerce. "This is a key initiative under Nadi designed to support local economic development and empower communities," he said. Fahmi added that MCMC, through Nadi, continues to enhance digital literacy and support rural entrepreneurs. "They have used fast Internet not only to improve their skills but also to access new markets. "In some cases, I found they were producing products for international customers. Some even earn more than Members of Parliament," he said at an event held in conjunction with Girls in ICT Day (GICT) and the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on Saturday (May 17). He said that with better Internet connectivity, people no longer need to leave their hometowns for better opportunities. Fahmi also outlined Malaysia's achievements under the National Digital Infrastructure Plan (Jendela), describing it as pivotal to the country's progress in digital connectivity. "To date, over 9.03 million premises have access to high-speed internet and fibre connectivity – surpassing our original target of nine million by 2025. "As a result, mobile broadband speeds have reached a median of 105.36 Mbps, while Internet coverage in populated areas rose to 98.66% in Q4 2024, steadily moving towards full coverage by 2025," he said. He also said 5G coverage as of April 30, 2025 stands at 82.4% in populated areas, with a mobile penetration rate of 61%. To mark ITU's 160th anniversary, a commemorative stamp was also unveiled. Also present at the event were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC executive chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and Kishore Babu Yerraballa, ITU area representative for southeast asia and other member states in Asia and the Pacific.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
HONOR Technologies empowers schoolgirls on Girls in ICT Day
To bridge the gender gap in technology, HONOR Technologies celebrated Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day by hosting 40 schoolgirls, giving them a rare opportunity to engage with mentorship, innovation, and real-world tech experiences. The initiative was designed to address the gender disparity in South Africa's ICT sector, where women currently make up only 23% of the workforce. By hosting this empowering event, HONOR Technologies is taking a bold step toward its broader mission of increasing female representation in the ICT industry and encouraging young women to pursue careers in technology, ultimately helping to reshape the future of the sector. The event was held at HONOR Technologies' Johannesburg office on April 24, bringing together young girls from local communities to inspire and spark their interest in pursuing careers in technology. The day was filled with impactful talks and workshops led by some of the most influential women in the tech industry. Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director-General of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), shared her perspective on the critical role of digital transformation in shaping South Africa's future. Hellen Mabore Mogashoa, Corporate & Government Affairs Lead at Microsoft South Africa, emphasised the importance of women in driving tech innovation. Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of the Association of Communications and Technology (ACT), and discussed strategies for bridging the gender gap in technology. Karabo Mohale, Executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), spoke about empowering the youth through technology, motivating the girls to overcome barriers and pursue their dreams in tech. Siyafunda Community Technology Centre also joined the celebration of Girls in ICT Day, highlighting their new partnership with HONOR, which began in early 2024. As part of the collaboration, HONOR donated devices, leading to the launch of the "Code with HONOR" initiative, aimed at equipping young girls with valuable coding skills and empowering them in the tech space. Siyafunda Technician Trainer, Erica Plakies, explained that through their collaboration with "Code with HONOR," they have been able to extend coding education to people in rural areas and those with limited resources. She emphasised that HONOR devices, with their advanced capabilities, have made it possible to teach basic coding skills to individuals who otherwise wouldn't have had the opportunity. 'One of the coding programs we use with HONOR smartphones is Scratch and Scratch Junior, which are block-based coding platforms that make learning programming easy and engaging for beginners, these programs empower young learners, especially those in rural areas, by providing them with the tools and knowledge to explore the world of coding and technology.' Plakies also shared some valuable coding tricks with the 40 learners, helping them gain hands-on experience and boosting their confidence in the tech world, while showing them how to apply their newly acquired skills to create real-world solutions. Jane Gala, a passionate young coder, expressed her excitement about being invited to HONOR's event, marking a significant step in her tech journey. She shared how she enjoys making games on Scratch but has never completed one, explaining that she loves the challenge of coding and creating. Despite her family's preference for her to pursue a career in medicine, Gala dreams of a future in technology, particularly with HONOR. She said, 'I would love to work with HONOR in the future because it's a place where I can grow and learn more about coding and technology.' Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR Technologies, expressed that the initiative is a strategic investment in a future where technology truly reflects the diversity of society. He emphasised the importance of fostering an inclusive tech landscape where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute. Slindokuhle Mbuyisa, HONOR's Government Relations Manager, emphasised the importance of initiatives like this one, highlighting the stark gender disparity in the ICT sector, with women making up only 20% of ICT graduates and holding less than a fifth of tech leadership roles. She said, "We're building change, one girl at a time." HONOR continues to lead in supporting women in STEM, ensuring inclusive growth in South Africa's digital future. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
28-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
HONOR Technologies empowers schoolgirls on Girls in ICT Day
HONOR Technologies celebrated Girls in ICT Day, empowering 40 schoolgirls and addressing the critical gender disparity in South Africa's tech sector. HONOR Technologies celebrated Girls in ICT Day, empowering 40 schoolgirls and addressing the critical gender disparity in South Africa's tech sector. To bridge the gender gap in technology, HONOR Technologies celebrated Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day by hosting 40 schoolgirls, giving them a rare opportunity to engage with mentorship, innovation, and real-world tech experiences. The initiative was designed to address the gender disparity in South Africa's ICT sector, where women currently make up only 23% of the workforce. By hosting this empowering event, HONOR Technologies is taking a bold step toward its broader mission of increasing female representation in the ICT industry and encouraging young women to pursue careers in technology, ultimately helping to reshape the future of the sector. The event was held at HONOR Technologies' Johannesburg office on April 24, bringing together young girls from local communities to inspire and spark their interest in pursuing careers in technology. The day was filled with impactful talks and workshops led by some of the most influential women in the tech industry. Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director-General of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), shared her perspective on the critical role of digital transformation in shaping South Africa's future. Hellen Mabore Mogashoa, Corporate & Government Affairs Lead at Microsoft South Africa, emphasised the importance of women in driving tech innovation. Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of the Association of Communications and Technology (ACT), and discussed strategies for bridging the gender gap in technology. Karabo Mohale, Executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), spoke about empowering the youth through technology, motivating the girls to overcome barriers and pursue their dreams in tech. Siyafunda Community Technology Centre also joined the celebration of Girls in ICT Day, highlighting their new partnership with HONOR, which began in early 2024. As part of the collaboration, HONOR donated devices, leading to the launch of the "Code with HONOR" initiative, aimed at equipping young girls with valuable coding skills and empowering them in the tech space. Siyafunda Technician Trainer, Erica Plakies, explained that through their collaboration with "Code with HONOR," they have been able to extend coding education to people in rural areas and those with limited resources. She emphasised that HONOR devices, with their advanced capabilities, have made it possible to teach basic coding skills to individuals who otherwise wouldn't have had the opportunity. 'One of the coding programs we use with HONOR smartphones is Scratch and Scratch Junior, which are block-based coding platforms that make learning programming easy and engaging for beginners, these programs empower young learners, especially those in rural areas, by providing them with the tools and knowledge to explore the world of coding and technology.' Plakies also shared some valuable coding tricks with the 40 learners, helping them gain hands-on experience and boosting their confidence in the tech world, while showing them how to apply their newly acquired skills to create real-world solutions. Jane Gala, a passionate young coder, expressed her excitement about being invited to HONOR's event, marking a significant step in her tech journey. She shared how she enjoys making games on Scratch but has never completed one, explaining that she loves the challenge of coding and creating. Despite her family's preference for her to pursue a career in medicine, Gala dreams of a future in technology, particularly with HONOR. She said, 'I would love to work with HONOR in the future because it's a place where I can grow and learn more about coding and technology.' Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR Technologies, expressed that the initiative is a strategic investment in a future where technology truly reflects the diversity of society. He emphasised the importance of fostering an inclusive tech landscape where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute. Slindokuhle Mbuyisa, HONOR's Government Relations Manager, emphasised the importance of initiatives like this one, highlighting the stark gender disparity in the ICT sector, with women making up only 20% of ICT graduates and holding less than a fifth of tech leadership roles. She said, "We're building change, one girl at a time." HONOR continues to lead in supporting women in STEM, ensuring inclusive growth in South Africa's digital future. The Star
IOL News
27-04-2025
- IOL News
Going beyond the code, investing in Girls in ICT is a future investment
Despite strides in awareness, the numbers remain sobering, with 30% of science and ICT professionals are woman, globally. Image: Supplied. This past Friday, the world marked Girls in ICT Day which brought up the critical question in the industry, are we doing enough to ensure that girls are not only included in the digital future, but leading it? A woman in tech and a director at Bizmod Consulting, a proudly women-led company, Jessica Nyarayi Tandy said she sees this day not as a checkbox on the advocacy calendar but as a strategic moment to recommit to what truly matters: intentionally building a future where girls are not simply included in ICT, but are leading it. Despite strides in awareness, the numbers remain sobering, with 30% of science and ICT professionals are woman, globally. A woman in tech and a director at Bizmod Consulting, a proudly women-led company, Jessica Nyarayi Tandy. Image: Supplied. Less than 3% of female students in higher education pursue ICT courses and in Sub-Saharan Africa, women make up 24% of STEM professionals. Closer to home, in South Africa, girls outperform boys in matric pass rates, but too few continue into ICT fields. 'These figures reflect more than a pipeline problem. They point to systemic barriers, lack of representation, and a gendered digital divide that still holds our girls back,' Tandy said. Diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones in innovation and decision-making. Digital skills provide economic mobility and access to global opportunities. Girls and women bring lived experience and perspective that lead to more inclusive tech solutions. Tandy reflected on her recent address to the students at Letsibogo Girls High School in Soweto, a Maths, Science, and ICT School of Specialisation focused on Media and Communication. 'I was humbled and inspired. The passion, curiosity, and creativity of the learners were a vivid reminder of what's possible when we give girls access to the right tools and platforms.' In her address, she shared the following reflections: "You will be learning skills like coding, AI, data analytics, and graphic design, skills that matter in today's digital world. But equally important are the human skills, empathy, communication, ethics. These are the things that differentiate us from machines and make innovation meaningful." 'I reminded the students, and continue to remind every organisation I speak to, that technology is a tool, not a destination. It's not about lines of code or hardware alone. It's about solving problems, building equitable futures, and staying rooted in humanity,' she said. Bizmod, the company that Tandy is a director at, encouraged the learners at Letsibogo and beyond to embrace interdisciplinary learning, to think about the end-user in every tech solution, and to use their talents not only to get ahead, but to lift others as they rise.
