Information and communication technologies have been invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic. They help us to stay connected, and to keep vital services and businesses going.
Yet almost half the world is still offline – and most of those who lack access to digital technology are women and girls in developing countries. Latest figures from the International Telecommunication Union show a 17 per cent gender gap in internet use globally. This is even wider in least developed countries. In some regions, this gender gap is growing, reinforcing gender inequalities by denying women and girls opportunities to access education, find better-paid jobs, and start new businesses.
Making these technologies available to all is an essential part of building back stronger communities and economies, and addressing many of the world’s most pressing challenges.
International Girls in ICT Day aims to inspire a global movement to increase the representation of girls and women in technology. Today, let’s recommit to the goal of equal access for young women and girls to opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.
While girls across the world tend to outperform boys in reading and writing skills, they continue to be under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Through International Girls in ICT Day, we work with partners build awareness about the gender digital divide, support technology education and skills training, and encourage more girls and young women to actively pursue careers in STEM.
10 Moments of Girls in ICT is a series of virtual events hosted by ITU and its partners to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the global International Day of Girls in ICT programme. This year, in 10 moments, we will launch a new decade of Girls in ICT by celebrating all year long.
Explore the 10 moments
Be part of the Girls in ICT Campaign. Complete the sentence: “#GirlsinICT are… “ and email it to girlsinict@itu.int along with a picture of yourself with your favourite digital device.
The best pictures will be published on our website gallery on the International Girls in ICT Day.
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Engaging in one-to-one conversation, the series provides rich insights to bridge the digital gender divide and overcome barriers with the transformative power of ICTs.
Check out this brand new episode of ‘The UNconnected’ with NASA trainee astronaut and astrobiology student Alyssa Carson sharing her dreams and thoughts on female role models.
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