Every year, International Girls in ICT Day is marked globally to celebrate and empower girls and young women to consider careers in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). At its core, the day is a call to action – to bridge the gender gap in tech, challenge stereotypes, and foster an inclusive digital future. This year at Paritie Innovation Hub, we joined the global community on April 24, 2024, to commemorate this important day with an inspiring and impactful event.
The Need for Girls in ICT
Globally, women remain underrepresented in STEM, especially in ICT fields. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 30% of the world’s tech workforce comprises women, and even fewer are in leadership or technical roles. In Africa, the gap is even more significant. With digital transformation becoming the backbone of economies, it’s critical to create access and opportunities for women and girls to participate fully in the digital ecosystem.
This is why Paritie Innovation Hub is committed to driving inclusion in tech. Our Girls in ICT Day event was one of the many ways we continue to build awareness, empower young women, and open their eyes to opportunities in ICT.
Objectives of the Event
- To inspire and empower young girls to pursue careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
- To bridge the gender gap in the tech industry by providing awareness and exposure.
- To educate girls about the diverse career opportunities available within the ICT sector.
- To equip girls with knowledge and confidence to take up leadership roles in technology and STEM-related industries.
- To advocate for a more inclusive digital future where girls are equally represented in tech innovation and decision-making.
- To encourage continuous learning and engagement with tech communities and training programs.
Event Highlights
The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with enthusiasm and curiosity as participants arrived for a day of learning, interaction, and discovery. The event commenced with the opening remarks and introduction of participants to the mission, values, and impact of Paritie Innovation Hub.
Following this was a brief explanation of International Girls in ICT Day — how it aims to promote digital inclusion and inspire girls to pursue careers in tech.
Also Read: International Girls in Science Day
Speaker Sessions
The event featured empowering sessions by Sylvia Mkar and Abdullahi Abubakar, who shared insights on “Positioning Yourself to Lead in Tech” and “Pitch Perfect.”
Their sessions helped participants understand how they could navigate the tech ecosystem, regardless of background and pitch whatever idea/solution they have.
Participants were also introduced to our in-house tech professionals:
- Jennifer Nalimi
- Bashir Aliyu
- Suleiman Bawa
- Abdullahi Abubakar
- Samuel Adeiza
- Ariyo Taiye
These experts shared their experiences and broke down the various tech career tracks, including product design, software engineering, data analysis, and more. This session gave participants a broader perspective on the different paths available to them within the tech space.
Debate and Idea Pitch Competitions
To foster critical thinking and teamwork, participants were divided into two groups – A and B – and engaged in two competitive activities:
- Debate Session:
Topic: Should Digital Skills be Made a Mandatory Subject for Girls in Secondary School?
Both groups made compelling arguments, but Group A emerged as the winner based on clarity, depth, and presentation.
- Idea Pitch Competition:
- Group A presented “FarmItUp,” an innovative AgriTech solution designed to connect small-scale farmers to market data and buyers.
- Group B pitched “Learnify,” an EdTech solution aimed at personalized learning for underserved communities.
Once again, Group A was voted the winner in the pitch session.
Judges for the pitch included Mr. Saidu Umar Auna of GDG Minna and Miss Jemima Magaji of Evolve Women, who also took time to encourage and motivate the girls on the importance of consistency, learning, and taking bold steps in their tech journey.
Conclusion
The International Girls in ICT Day event at Paritie Innovation Hub was more than just a celebration — it was a movement of boldness, curiosity, and the beginning of new tech journeys. knowledge-sharing, and collaborative exercises, participants left with more than just information; they left with inspiration and a sense of belonging in the tech ecosystem.
At Paritie, we remain committed to building safe, inclusive spaces for girls to explore, learn, and thrive in technology. The future is digital and girls must lead in it.