Girls Can Do I.T.!
In spite of that fact that our traditional work and life are disrupted by Covid-19 pandemic, the tech industry has proven once again that there’s nowhere to go but up. We are progressing even faster towards the new digital era. With the emergence of 5G and the scale up of machine learning and AI, now more than ever, we need to inspire and engage more young girls and women in the ICT sector, to lead a better future.
International Girls in ICT Day is an ITU initiative and global movement that aims to enhance support for an enabling environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to take up careers in the growing field of ICTs. Let’s celebrate (virtually) all the ways that women and girls are making waves in ICT, and beyond: from promoting women at the top of the tech game to the girls fighting for equal access to ICTs in their communities.
ICT related skills are among the MOST in-demand hard skills in 2020, as Blockchain ranked No.1 on the LinkedIn list, followed by other ICT skills, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and scientific computing.
Why girls in ICT? Progressively over the years, from Switzerland to Somalia, we see girls creating their own apps; they are programming the robots they build, and all because they have access to resources to achieve their true potential. Girls and young women should be encouraged to appreciate and understand their potential for succeeding in the ICT sector. It is imperative that girls are also taught about the many diverse ICT career options that are available to them. Not to mention that encouraging women and girls in ICT can have great long-term benefits, including enhanced social inclusion and increasing overall economic development. In turn, this can lead to a more dynamic technology sector with extensive benefits for companies and society.
Inspiring girls and women in ICT
Who said a girl cannot be an IT geek while being a confident and beautiful supermodel? Karlie Kloss breaks the traditional boundaries through her Kode with Klossy initiative. This free coding camp for girls, aged 13-18, takes place across the United States. It creates learning experiences and opportunities for young women that increase their confidence and inspire them to pursue their passions in a technology driven world.
Another role model for girls and women, especially during the current pandemic, is Nneka Mobisson, Co-Founder and CEO of mDoc, Nigeria. mDoc is digital health company focused on sub-Saharan Africa that provides people living with chronic disease with 24/7 access to integrated care and support through a network of providers via mobile and web platforms. Her social enterprise ensures that people are living healthier, longer, and happier lives across the region.
We have seen more and more women stepping up and becoming the change makers in the male-dominated tech industry. Be inspired by the success of 6 female leaders in the sector from multiple corners of the globe.
Head Image: ITU
Sisters, if you are looking for courses on relevant ICT skills in digital marketing, you would not want to miss what is offered at ITC SME Trade Academy!
Check out our tools selected for your digital marketing and communications!