Latest news with #InternationalGirlsinICTDay
Coin Geek
07-05-2025
- Business
- Coin Geek
Namibia pushing to empower women in tech
Homepage > News > Business > Namibia pushing to empower women in tech Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... As the world marked the International Girls in ICT Day, Namibian leaders called for the involvement of more women in the tech industry in a country where gender stereotypes have limited women's opportunities. At one event marking the day, industry leaders and government officials noted the need for more diversity in the tech sector. 'This year's theme, 'Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,' resonates deeply with our collective goal, which is to foster an environment where every girl, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive in the digital economy,' stated Emilia Nghikembua, the CEO of Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). The challenge is not limited to Namibia. Globally, women make up less than a third of the tech industry workforce, and according to one study, it would take 130 years to close this gap at the current rate. Even in some of the world's largest tech firms, which have departments dedicated to diversity and gender equality, the gap is still significant. At Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), women only make up 37%, 34% and 33% of the workforce, respectively. This number is even lower in leadership positions. 'This disparity is even more pronounced in Namibia, where societal stereotypes and lack of access to opportunities continue to hinder girls' participation,' Nghikembua noted in her keynote address at the event. She added that there is a dire need for 'policies supporting ecosystems and mentorship programs that encourage girls to take their rightful place in the ICT sector.' Namibia's ICT sector is relatively small compared to its neighbors. In 2020, it generated N$2.7 billion ($146 million) and employed 7,100 individuals, according to one local outlet. However, internet penetration and mobile connectivity have been accelerating rapidly in recent years and now stand at 62% and 110%, respectively. At the event, Nghikembua urged all tech stakeholders to play their part in demonstrating to young girls that careers in tech are 'not only viable, but also vital and rewarding.' 'We want our girls to see themselves not only as consumers of technology but as innovators, creators, and leaders.' Elsewhere, the African Union recently recognized some of the leading female innovators from across the region using technology to transform the education sector. Some winners included Susannah Farr, whose Gold Youth Development Agency pioneers a peer education model for the youth, and Kenya's Anne Nyaboke Wakesho, whose eLimu Kenya provides digital education in East Africa. Watch AlphaDAPP: Revolutionizing blockchain adoption in Africa title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen>
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Over 37m Pakistanis connected through telecom projects
Listen to article Pakistan's Universal Service Fund (USF) has connected over 37.1 million people and laid 17,200 km of fibre optic cable through 161 projects across the country, said the Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima. Speaking at the Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation event in Islamabad—organised by USF and Jazz in connection with International Girls in ICT Day—Fatima highlighted the programme's role in expanding digital access. 'Our underserved communities are coming online,' she said. 'USF's fibre projects are enabling women, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to participate in the digital economy and drive innovation.' The minister said that 4,400 telecom sites have been deployed nationwide, strengthening connectivity for millions. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has allocated Rs. 23 billion to the fund this year, further reinforcing the government's push for digital inclusion. Fatima also noted past efforts under Shahbaz Sharif's tenure, including the distribution of 1.2 million laptops and freelancing training for 4.5 million people via the DG Skills Programme. 'We need all of you—as mentors, investors, role models, and allies—to accelerate this momentum,' she told the audience. USF CEO Mudassar Naveed reiterated the organisation's commitment to 'connecting the unconnected.' He said no new projects were launched in the past two years to prioritise timely completion of existing ones. However, technical groundwork for upcoming projects has been finalised under the direction of the IT ministry and USF board. 'Each village that comes online opens doors to global education, jobs, and community,' Naveed said. USF has now issued tenders for 16 new projects. Cities including Sialkot, Sanghar, Jhang, Sajawal, and Tando Muhammad Khan will be connected to high-speed fibre networks. In addition, Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development (NG-BSD) projects will target areas such as Badin, Abbottabad, Kalat, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, and Khuzdar, while smaller NG-BSD projects will extend services to districts including Sargodha, Haripur, Sheikhupura, and Mansehra.
Tahawul Tech
24-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
'Real transformation only happens when women and girls are at the forefront of digital change' – Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU
Leaders from the global ICT ecosystem have come together to reaffirm and reiterate their commitment to empowering young women in technology on The International Girls in ICT Day It is an annual initiative spearheaded by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of April, and is fundamentally designed to inspire and empower girls and young women to consider studies and careers in the growing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) field. This year's theme, which is 'Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation' highlighted the critical need to bridge the gender gap in the tech sector. Events were held globally, from workshops and coding competitions to mentorship programmes and career fairs, aiming to introduce young women to the exciting possibilities within ICT. In the Middle East, Fida Kibbi, Vice President, Head of Marketing, Communications, Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility at Ericsson MEA, highlighted their initiatives such as Connect to Learn and Technovation Girls as an example of their unwavering commitment to empowering and nurturing female talent in technology. 'On this International Girls in ICT Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering young women in technology. The journey may present challenges but overcoming them leads to a rewarding future. At Ericsson, we are dedicated to nurturing female talent through initiatives like Connect to Learn and Technovation Girls, providing opportunities and resources for success. By championing diversity and inspiring the next generation of leaders, we aim to ensure that young girls see themselves as future pioneers in ICT. Together, we can transform our industry and society, driving innovation and creating a more inclusive world that values the contributions of women in technology,' said Kibbi. Martine Billmann, Marketing Manager, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Genetec, echoed the sentiments expressed by Ericsson, and stressed that they believe that 'diversity' is the key to future innovation in the ICT landscape. 'At Genetec, we believe that diversity is key to innovation, especially in critical fields like technology and security. On International Girls Day in ICT, we celebrate the critical role that women and girls can play in advancing the security industry and beyond. Encouraging more women to enter and lead in tech and security isn't just the right thing to do, it's essential for building inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking solutions. By fostering equal opportunities and breaking down barriers, we pave the way for a smarter, safer and unified world – powered by the insights and leadership of women,' said Billman. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU, highlighted how they launched Girls in ICT Day back in 2011, and that their mission is more important than ever before. 'Today, we celebrate the power and potential of young women and girls as leaders, creators and changemakers in the digital age. Technologies like AI are rapidly transforming our world. But one-third of humanity remains shut out from digital opportunities. In fact, 189 million fewer women than men are using the internet in 2024. That's too many missed opportunities to learn, to earn, and to shape our shared digital future, because everyone deserves the chance to thrive in an increasingly digital-world. At ITU, we are committed to empowering 100 million women and girls with digital skills through initiatives like our EQUALS Global Partnership, but we can't do this alone. We launched Girls in ICT Day back in 2011, to open digital doors for girls everywhere. Today, that mission is more important than ever before. Because real transformation only happens when women and girls are not just in the room, and at the table, but at the forefront of digital change,' said Bogdan-Martin.
News18
24-04-2025
- News18
International Girls in ICT Day 2025: Theme, History, Significance, And Quotes To Celebrate Young Women In Tech
Published By : Bhaswati Sengupta Trending Desk Last Updated: International Girls in ICT Day 2025: The day is celebrated to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). International Girls In ICT Day 2025: The fourth Thursday of April is considered International Girls in ICT Day. The date varies from year to year. This year it falls on April 24. The day is celebrated to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and explore the different fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). International Girls in ICT Day 2025: Theme The 2025 theme for International Girls in ICT Day 2025 is 'Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation." It aims to raise global awareness about building a world where girls and women have equal opportunities and access to leadership roles in this era of digital evolution. To mark the occasion, the International Telecommunication Union will livestream a global event in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Arab States regions. The event will connect countries like Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and Nouakchott, Mauritania along with experts across the world, to inspire change and promote. International Girls in ICT Day 2025: History Initiated by the International Telecommunication Union in 2011, the day is celebrated globally. The day falls annually on the fourth Thursday of April. It supports gender equality and provides a platform to encourage girls and women to discover career opportunities in the STEM fields, especially in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). International Girls in ICT Day 2025: Significance International Girls in ICT Day highlights a crucial yet often overlooked global issue- the need for gender equality and inclusive leadership in the digital world. It aims to empower girls and women to pursue careers in technology, bridging the gender gap and ensuring their voices and talents help shape the future of innovation and digital transformation. International Girls in ICT Day 2025: Quotes 'We need to be serious about supporting and nurturing our girls if we are serious about building a better, stronger and fairer future"- Hillary Clinton. 'Women no longer have an 'if I can' mindset. Now it's more about 'how I can'— be in tech, start something in tech, fund something in tech."- Shaherose Charania. 'The word 'female,' when inserted in front of something, is always with a note of surprise. Female COO, female pilot, female surgeon — as if the gender implies surprise … One day there won't be female leaders. There will just be leaders."- Sheryl Sandberg. 'Recognise and embrace your uniqueness…Being a Black woman, being a woman in general, on a team of all men, means that you are going to have a unique voice. It's important to embrace that." – Erin Teague. 'Women shouldn't be afraid to put themselves forward." – Sarah Wood. News18 Lifestyle section covers health, fashion, travel, food, and culture with articles on wellness tips, celebrity style, travel spots, and recipes, focusing on Indian and global trends. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
