INTERNATIONAL GIRLS IN ICT DAY
Every year on the fourth Thursday in April, International Girls in ICT Day draws attention to the critical need for more girls and women in the area of information communication technology (ICT). It’s also a day to encourage girls to look into this field of study.
Every time you communicate with your computer, tablet, or cellphone, you are utilizing information communication technology. This type of communication consists of phone calls, video chats, and sending e-mails. Even the act of browsing the internet uses this type of technology.
As with all technology jobs, this field is dominated by men. Women make up nearly half of the workforce. However, when it comes to technology, women hold only 25 percent of the jobs. Part of the reason for this is that girls are less likely than boys to study subjects related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This is the case at both the high school and university levels.
Many girls avoid STEM subjects because they don’t think they will be working the technology. One reason they don’t think about pursuing a technology career is they do not know of any female role models in the industry.
Having fewer women in technology doesn’t change the fact that they are needed. Technology companies that are more diverse perform better, have more engaged employees, and retain workers better than non-inclusive tech companies. For these reasons, it’s crucial for women to consider tech careers, which include the ICT field.
HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalGirlsInICTDay
On this day girls are encouraged to think about pursuing a technology career. They are also encouraged to do things like start a technology, computer programming, or robotics club in their school. Tech companies and schools with technology programs disseminate information to girls on why they should consider this career path.
To participate:
- Encourage your daughter to take more STEM courses in school.
- Take a group of girls to your local science center.
- Learn about women in technology, such as Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper, Annie Easley, and Mary Keller.
- Watch a movie about women in tech, such as “CodeGirl” or “CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap.”
Spread awareness for this day on social media with #GirlsInICTDay
INTERNATIONAL GIRLS IN ICT DAY HISTORY
In 2010, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), adopted Resolution 70 at the Plenipotentiary Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico. The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The Resolution called for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women through international communication technologies. On April 8, 2011, as a direct result of this Resolution, the ITU established the International Girls in ICT Day. This day has been held every fourth Thursday of the month since 2011.
DATES:
22 April 2021
28 April 2022
27 April 2023
25 April 2024
24 April 2025
23 April 2026
22 April 2027
27 April 2028
26 April 2029
25 April 2030
