International Girls in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Day is observed annually across the globe on the 4th Thursday of April. It serves as a global initiative to inspire and encourage girls and women to pursue careers in the field of ICT.
- The day also highlights efforts to bridge the gender digital divide, promoting equality in the technology sector.
- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), is responsible for spearheading this initiative.
Key Observance Dates:
In 2025, International Girls in ICT Day was observed on 24 April 2025.
- In 2024, it was observed on 25 April 2024.
- In 2026, it will be observed on 23 April 2026.
Theme:
i.The theme for International Girls in ICT Day 2025 is “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation.”
ii.This theme emphasizes the importance of involving girls in the digital transformation process, ensuring that women and girls, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, are equally represented in the digital world.
Background:
i.The idea of International Girls in ICT Day was officially announced by the ITU on 8 April 2011. It was the outcome of the Resolution 70, adopted during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in October 2010 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
ii.The resolution focused on gender mainstreaming and the promotion of gender equality within the ICT sector.
iii.The first International Girls in ICT Day was celebrated on 28 April 2011.
Key Events:
i.In 2025, the global celebration of International Girls in ICT Day was co-hosted by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Arab States regions.
- The event was held as a hybrid celebration, with a live link between Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and Nouakchott, Mauritania.
- In Bishkek, the event will be organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic, while in Nouakchott, the event will be held in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transition, Innovation, and Modernization of Administration of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
ii.The global event was held on 24 April 2025 in Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. The event will highlight the critical importance of achieving equal digital inclusion for young women and girls, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
- The celebration was focused on how digital technologies can be leveraged to accelerate global connectivity and ensure an inclusive digital transformation.
Challenges in ICT for Women
Despite progress, women continue to face several challenges in the ICT sector:
i.Although women occupy 40% of high-skill jobs globally, their representation in ICT roles remains significantly low.
ii.Women are underrepresented in key sectors such as software development, engineering, academia, and policy-making positions.
iii. Women tend to leave STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers at a higher rate than men, often due to lack of mentorship, inclusivity, and work-life balance challenges.
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
The ITU was established in 1865 in Paris (France) as the International Telegraph Union and became a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) on 1 January 1949.
Secretary-General – Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
