Every year, on the fourth Thursday in April, International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated around the world.
The associated activities encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and especially information and communication technologies (ICTs).
It's one of my favourite days of the year. And though we celebrated it virtually this time, the 10th anniversary of Girls in ICT Day was more exciting and inspiring than ever.
10 years and counting
The limitations of online events did not stop the 10th anniversary celebrations – held on 22 April – from bringing palpable energy to the work of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and our goal to close the digital gender divide.
In fact, the friends and colleagues I spoke to during the events were even more passionate about this goal in light of the increasingly online lives we are leading during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At every turn, girls and young women expressed their readiness to step into a future where gender bias, outdated social norms and lack of connectivity are no longer obstacles to their career aspirations.
"On the 10th anniversary of Girls in ICT Day, we must embody the spirit of a 10-year-old: courageous, curious and hungry for knowledge," said Cristiana Flutur, the first woman to be appointed co-President of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT).
Flutur also represents Europe at the Network of Women for the World Telecommunication Development Conference (NoW4WTDC).
High-level dialogue
On 22 April, ITU co-organized a high-level dialogue on International Girls in ICT Day with the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) and Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet). This key example of international collaboration contributes to the Generation Equality Forum's Action Coalition on Innovation and Technology, with a focus on fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations for 2030.
Girls in ICT Day high-level dialogue. Image credit: ITU
I was delighted to co-moderate the dialogue with Salma Alrowaie, Communication and ICT Officer of the Girls in Science 4 SDGs international platform. Only 18 years old, Salma is already a role model for other girls in ICT, and her dedication to gender equality in STEM is truly inspiring.
The event was packed with incredible moments, including statements by leading gender equality experts, conversations on creativity and innovation, and—most importantly—perspectives from girls and young women on their way to becoming STEM superstars as participants in the Girls in Science 4 SDGs international platform.
Intergenerational dialogues like this one always remind me to focus on the dreams and aspirations of upcoming generations, because the future belongs to them. I'm also reminded of my own dreams as a young girl, and how ICTs have helped build a digital world where I can join a virtual exchange of ideas with people from all over the world.
"I became a girl in ICT from grade four. My knowledge of ICTs helped me a lot throughout my scientific studies and career…. In fact, I'm still that girl in ICT, learning every day." – HRH Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite
As a 10th anniversary Girls in ICT celebration event, this dialogue was unforgettable. Panellists' diverse perspectives, shaped by differing ages and backgrounds, coloured key insights on the importance of global cooperation, public-private partnerships, and male-female allyship.
Watch the event recording here.
Valuing voices
A vital component of Girls in ICT events is ensuring that the voices of girls and young women are heard and valued.
Girls in ICT Day celebrations. Image credit: ITU
I love hearing about their successes and challenges as they think about their careers and consider the many options that ICTs can help open for them. And of course, these girls are passionate about digital equality for everyone.
"It makes me realize even more, that ICT plays a huge role in social issues, gender equality, and child development. I believe every child has the right to the best ICT participation!" – Nattanicha Kattiyavara, student participant and founder of Student Reflect, at the 2021 opening ceremony of Girls in ICT Day celebrations in Thailand
"Women and girls are important as actors in the development of ICTs, and not just as the final targets. We need to include them in all the parts, from ideation, from research, to investment, and to the final product." – Alma Nordenstam, peer mentor, Girls in Science 4 SDGs
Hear more insights from Girls in Science 4 SDGs participants here.
From celebration to movement
Now more of a year-round movement than a single celebratory day, Girls in ICT will continue to serve as a platform for encouragement, inspiration and mutual support – as well as provide networking opportunities - for anyone who wants to build a bright digital future for girls and women.
With that in mind, I am excited to announce that the 2021 EQUALS in Tech Awards, another of my favourite annual celebrations, are now open!
The Awards are given every year to organizations and individuals working to help girls and women gain equal internet access, digital skills, and opportunities in the tech industry. Individuals and organizations can nominate their initiatives or those of others for an award in five categories: Access, Skills, Leadership in Tech, Leadership in SME, and Research.
You can nominate impressive, inspiring, and motivating initiatives from around the world here.
Header image credit: ITU
