International Girls in ICT Day

International Girls in ICT Day History

International Girls in ICT Day seeks to promote the critical need for more girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courses and careers. The observance aims to contribute to the reduction of global gender disparity in this field, believing that increased representation of females in ICT will provide more balance, diversity, and competitiveness in the digital economy. The increasing digitalisation of society demands a workforce skilled in ICT, and the gender gap is restricting this potential.

Established in 2010 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Girls in ICT Day emphasises the commitment to equip young women with the necessary skills for the digital economy. The day is crucial for New Zealand as the local ICT sector continues to expand, contributing significantly to the country's economy. However, it is troubled by a large gender imbalance, with women accounted for only 23% of people working in ICT in New Zealand in 2019. This underrepresentation resonates with the global trend, but the active Observance aims to propel New Zealand towards a more balanced future.

In New Zealand, International Girls in ICT Day is marked with various gatherings, workshops, and presentations at schools, local government offices and private sector institutions. These events aim to inspire girls and young women, offering them opportunities to explore ICT careers, and discover the contributions they can make in this dynamic field. Schools frequently invite successful women in ICT for talks, encouraging females to pursue ICT studies and careers. International Girls in ICT Day is observed on the fourth Thursday of April each year.

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.
• As of 2020, statistics show that women constitute only around 23% of employees in the tech industry in New Zealand. This suggests that there is still significant work to be done in terms of increasing gender diversity and opportunities for women in ICT.
• NZTech Women, a group within the New Zealand Tech Alliance, has also been working to encourage more girls into tech, recognizing the important role that women play in tech and the need for diversity in the sector.

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

Top things to do in NZ 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.
• Attend the ShadowTech Day: This is an initiative where female students have the chance to spend a day with a woman in the tech industry. They can learn about the industry and the opportunities available.
• Attend the TechWomen Event: Check out TechWomen's initiatives across the country. They host a variety of workshops, webinars, and networking events that are designed to both inspire girls about the potential of a future in ICT and to provide practical skills and contacts in the industry.