Wednesday 26th April 2023
The Ministry and Department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA, join the world in celebrating and acknowledging Girls in ICT Day under the theme “Digital Skills for Life”.
This day 27th of April, 2023 is dedicated to promoting and encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly in the realm of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
The importance of this day lies in the fact that there is a significant gender gap in the field of ICTs. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), women are underrepresented in ICT jobs globally, with only 24% of those employed in the sector.
This gender imbalance is not only a matter of social justice but also has an economic impact. By excluding women from the ICT sector, we are missing out on the potential contributions of a large portion of the population.
To address this imbalance, NICTA is facilitating the Girls in ICT Day celebration which aims to inspire and encourage girls and women in PNG to pursue a future in ICT by providing them with the necessary skills and confidence.
This year, partners and stakeholders are working together to empower girls by ensuring they have the digital skills needed to thrive in STEM careers.
The focus is on both using and creating technology, as these skills are necessary to succeed in the digital world.
Digital skills have become essential in today’s world. From coding to data analysis, these skills are in high demand in almost every industry.
By promoting digital literacy and proficiency among girls, we are not only addressing the gender gap in the ICT sector but also equipping them with skills that will be invaluable in their future careers and daily lives.
Girls in ICT Day is an opportunity to showcase the achievements of PNG women in the field of ICTs and to provide role models for young girls.
It is an important initiative that aims to address the gender gap in the field of ICTs by empowering and inspiring girls to pursue careers in this field.
Let us all work together to create a future where every girl has the opportunity to pursue her dreams in ICT.