Girls in ICT Day is an annual international event that aims to inspire and empower girls and young women to explore opportunities in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). The event, which takes place on the fourth Thursday of every April, encourages girls to pursue ICT careers and emphasizes the importance of gender equality in the tech industry.

The ICT sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with a projected value of $5 trillion by 2025. Despite this growth, women remain significantly underrepresented in the field, with only 24% of ICT jobs held by women globally. Girls in ICT Day seeks to address this gender gap by promoting the participation of girls and women in ICT education and careers.

The event was first launched in 2010 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for information and communication technologies. Since then, it has grown into a global movement that is celebrated in over 170 countries. Each year, Girls in ICT Day features a variety of activities, including workshops, seminars, and competitions, that aim to introduce girls to the world of ICT and inspire them to pursue careers in the field.

The benefits of encouraging girls to pursue ICT careers are numerous. For one, it can help to address the gender gap in the industry and promote gender equality. Additionally, it can help to address the skills gap in the ICT sector, as there is currently a shortage of skilled workers in the field. Finally, it can help to create a more diverse and inclusive industry, which has been shown to be beneficial for innovation and productivity.

This year’s celebration theme, “Digital Skills for Life”, has been identified in consultation with youth. The theme spotlights the importance for girls and young women to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as both ICT users and creators in a digital world. Girls in ICT Day is an important event that highlights the need for gender equality in the tech industry and encourages girls to pursue careers in ICT. By providing girls with the resources and support they need to succeed, we can help to create a more diverse and inclusive industry that is better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.