International Girls in ICT Day

International Girls in ICT Day History

International Girls in ICT Day is dedicated to encouraging more young women to consider careers in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The ethos of this day acknowledges the role of ICT in enhancing gender equality and aims to challenge the stereotype that ICT is a male-dominated profession. It seeks to inspire a new generation of girls and young women to consider a future in the expanding field of ICT, where their input is crucial.

International Girls in ICT Day was first celebrated in 2011 and has since gained recognition worldwide. In the UK, this day holds particular significance, given the nation's commitment to bridging the gender gap in all sectors, including technology. The United Kingdom actively works to increase the participation of women in the advancement of technology. This recognition is pivotal, as women make up only 17% of the tech workforce in the UK, with a mere 35% of women in higher education studying STEM subjects. Therefore, celebrating this day means promoting gender diversity in an industry that is vital for the country's growth.

In the UK, International Girls in ICT Day is typically marked with various activities aimed at encouraging young girls to consider a career in ICT. Schools, universities and companies across the country organise workshops, seminars, and training sessions. They provide valuable insights into the potential opportunities and experiences within the ICT sector. To add, notable women working in the field of ICT often share their experiences and advise emerging aspirants. International Girls in ICT Day is observed annually on the fourth Thursday in April, helping to breaking down barriers and driving the transformative power of female involvement in the UK's technology industry.

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.
• Vodafone UK is another major corporation that has celebrated International Girls in ICT Day. They hosted an event that brought 60 schoolgirls, aged 14-15, into its Newbury headquarters to learn about the range of roles available within the technology industry.
• Research by University College London's Institute of Education shows that girls are more likely than boys to choose English, biology, art, and sociology at A-level, while boys are more likely than girls to choose maths, ICT, physics, and economics.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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 United Kingdom:
  She Started It (2016): A documentary that chronicles the ups and downs of women tech entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Europe, including some from the UK.
• Attend Seminars and Guest Speaker Sessions: Successful women in the field of ICT are often invited to give talks, provide inspiration, and share their experiences and advice.