The International Girls in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Day is annually observed across the globe on the 4th Thursday of April to inspire and encourage girls and women to pursue studies and careers in ICT and promote bridging the gender digital divide.
The International Girls in ICT Day 2024 was observed on 25 April 2024.
- The International Girls in ICT Day 2023 was observed on 27th April 2023 and the International Girls in ICT Day 2025 will be observed on 24th April 2025.
The Day is annually observed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations (UN) specialised agency for ICTs.
Theme:
The theme for International Girls in ICT Day 2024 is “Leadership”.
- The 2024 theme underscores the critical need for strong female role models in ICT and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
Objectives:
i.To inspire a global movement to increase the representation of girls and women in technology.
ii.To cultivate the presence and digital skills of young women and girls (aged 12-24) in the career field of STEM, particularly ICT.
Background:
i.On 8th April 2011, ITU announced the establishment of an international Girls in ICT Day”, which will be held every year on the 4th Thursday in April.
ii.The “Girls in ICT Day” is the direct result of the adoption of Resolution 70 by ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October 2010.
- The resolution emphasises gender mainstreaming and promoting gender equality in ICT and aims to incorporate a gender perspective into all ITU programs and initiatives.
iii.The 1st annual International Girls in ICT Day was observed on 28 April 2011.
2024 Events:
i.Every year, the ITU and its partners join forces to inspire and empower girls to explore opportunities in ICTs, aiming to bridge the gender digital divide.
ii.In 2024, the global Girls in ICT event was held at the FEU Tech Innovation Center, Far Eastern University (FEU), Manila, Philippines in coordination and collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Challenges in ICT for Women:
i.Despite women occupying 40% of high-skill jobs globally, their representation in ICT remains low.
ii.Women are notably absent from software development, engineering, academia, and policy-making roles.
iii.They often leave STEM careers at higher rates than men.
Leadership Gender Gap in STEM:
i.Women in ICT primarily hold junior or support roles, lacking opportunities for advancement.
ii.They are underrepresented in managerial and executive positions, as well as in entrepreneurship and policymaking.
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
ITU was established in Paris (France) in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. ITU became a specialized agency of the United Nations on January 1, 1949.
Secretary-General– Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
