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Tech needs girls, and girls need tech |


The International Day of the Girl in ICT is observed every year in the last week of April, and this year the focus is on ‘Access and Safety’ is the key factor to attract the next generation with information and communication technology (ICT).

According to the United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this year’s theme “reflects the world’s shared concern for empowering young people and girls to safely benefit from an active digital life.

Fairness and equality

The United Nations agency recognizes the need to ensure girls and women have equal access to digital learning opportunities, especially in the least developed countries.

All around the world only 30% of science and technology professionals are women. And follow The latest data of ITUGlobally, only 57% of women use the Internet, compared with 62% of men.

More, If women cannot access the Internet and do not feel safe online, they cannot develop the necessary digital skills and participate in the digital space.this reduces their chances to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields, ITU continued.

Inspiring the next generation

ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao said, “Girls Day in ICT is a call to action to inspire the next generation of young women and girls into STEM careers,” said Secretary General. ITU sign Houlin Zhao said.

Calling on all leaders of government, business, universities and others to do their best to support young women and girls, Mr. Zhao said it was necessary to “give them chance to achieve your dreams”.

Girls’ access to STEM is very important

Join the call, UN Women reiterates the importance of ensuring that every girl has safe and meaningful access to digital technology and ICT.

In one declare Marking This Day, the agency says it is inspired by activists as young as 18-year-olds Ana Vizitiv from the Republic of Moldova, whose work promotes gender equality in ICT and STEM, and is a 20 year old role model and entrepreneur Yordanos Genanaw from Ethiopia, who participated in African girl can code initiative and is currently developing a website and coaching others.

“These young women are using their skills to inspire other girls to pursue basic IT and coding skills, regardless of gender bias,” the statement said. continue.

A reminder that girls’ access to and participation in STEM subjects is more important now than ever – especially after COVID-19 The pandemic and many crises in countries around the world have created challenges for women and girls to learn, earn and connect – UN Women re-emphasizes the importance of technology as a solution to access essential services and information.


Adolescent girls use cell phones and tablets in Za'atari camp for Syrian refugees (file).

© UNICEF / UN051302 / Herwig

Adolescent girls use cell phones and tablets in Za’atari camp for Syrian refugees (file).

Technology also helps them communicate in school, stay in touch with friends and family, and is an important aspect of their self-control and future prospects.

Persistent negative stereotypes

Recently learn of UN Women and ITU showed that Girls access digital technology at a later age than boys, and their use of this technology is often more restricted by parents..

In addition, women and girls are exposed to online violence and harassment and disproportionately supported by ICTcan negatively impact their physical, mental and emotional health, and affect how they access and use digital tools for the rest of their lives, UN Women says more.

Built on the idea that “every girl has the right to be connected and secure, and play her part in shaping a more equitable, green and technology-based futureUN Secretary-General called for a global digital compressor to improve digital collaboration.

The Generation Equality Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality is bringing together governments, technology companies, the United Nations System, civil society organizations and young people, for a more equitable and diverse digital transformation, including the prevention and eradication of gender-based violence online.

Marking the Day, United Nations Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called for an end to systemic barriers: “Girls continue to face cyberbullying and threats, and lack the ability to accessibility due to the digital divide”, Ms speak on Twitter, demanding transformation in technology and innovation, becoming “fair, secure and accessible”.

Across the UN system, agencies have spoken out for gender equality in STEM. UN Cultural Agency UNESCO summon to empower young girls in the ICT sector, so they can lead the future in the workplace. UN Refugee Agency mention the importance of not forgetting digital access for refugees and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) repeat the need to ensure better access to digital technology for rural women and girls.

Join the digital revolution

Global celebrations and ICT Girls’ Day events around the world underscore ITU’s commitment to encouraging girls and women everywhere to consider pursuing a STEM career path.

To date, more than 600,000 girls and young women have participated in more than 12,000 ICT Girls’ Day celebrations in 195 countries worldwide.

“Around the world, girls and young women want to join the digital revolution. When we remove barriers to access and safety, women and girls can make significant contributions and be empowered by ICTs. Simply put: girls need technology and girls need technology,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of ITU’s Department of Telecommunication Development.





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