International Girls in ICT Day

International Girls in ICT Day History

International Girls in ICT Day is dedicated to encouraging and inspiring young women to consider careers in the realm of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Recognized by the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this day also aims to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of ICTs. It bridges the digital gender divide by equipping girls with the skills needed to secure suitable jobs while also improving their understanding and use of these technologies.

The observance of International Girls in ICT Day, which was first instituted in 2010 by the ITU, holds significant relevance in India where gender disparity in technology-related professions remains a pressing concern. The country is home to one of the world's largest technology workforces, yet women constitute just about 34% of this sector. The disparity is linked to factors such as socio-cultural norms, lack of awareness and access, and gender bias. Thus, this Day focuses on tackling these issues by fostering an interest in ICT among Indian girls and creating a supportive network for those who aspire to make a career in the field.

In India, International Girls in ICT Day is observed with numerous activities and events organised by government entities, schools, universities, and ICT companies to encourage girls to engage with technology and consider it as a viable career option. This includes webinars, workshops, coding boot camps, tech talk sessions, exhibitions, and competitions. It also involves engagement programs with successful women in ICT to inspire and mentor young girls. International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday in April, making it a compelling beacon for progress and gender equality in India's fervently burgeoning ICT sector.

Facts about International Girls in ICT Day

• The theme for International Girls in ICT Day in 2024 was Leadership.The theme in 2023 was Digital Skills for Life.
• According to unwomen.org, about 65% of the children around the world who are entering primary school today will have jobs that do not yet exist.
• Women hold only 25% of all the jobs in the tech industry, despite making up more than half of the workforce.
• Despite the promising initiatives, the gender digital gap in India remains significant. The National Family Health Survey reveals that only 42% of Indian women have ever used the internet compared to 62% of men.
• In 2018, the Indian Girls Code, a free four-week workshop, was launched by Robotix learning solutions in association with the US consulate. The initiative aimed to teach coding basics to young girls, sparking an interest in computer science and other technology-related fields.

In the News and Trending in India for International Girls in ICT Day

Top things to do in India for International Girls in ICT Day

• Discover events around you. The International Telecommunication Union hosts events around the world so be sure to check for any upcoming ones.
• Listen to a podcast with the founder of the Women in Science International League Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite.
• Watch a Documentary to learn more about Girls in ICT in India
  1) Girls Rising - This film includes the story of an Indian girl facing obstacles in getting an education. The documentary emphasizes the importance of ICT in empowering girls.
  2) Period. End of Sentence- This Oscar-winning documentary focuses on women's health in India and how technology has helped them.
• Attend Workshops/Seminars: Many schools, universities, and organizations organize ICT workshops and seminars, providing opportunities for girls to grasp the knowledge of various technologies, coding, digital marketing, big data, etc.