International Girls in ICT Day 2024

Every year, ITU and partners work together to inspire and encourage girls to pursue a future in ICTs towards bridging the gender digital divide. The aim is to encourage young women and girls to pursue their studies and careers in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and other fields and help them achieve their dreams.

This year, the theme of Girls in ICT Day is ‘Leadership’. The global Girls in ICT Day celebration was held on 25 April 2024 at the FEU Tech Innovation Center, Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines in coordination and collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Insights from International Girls in ICT Day 2024, Manila, Philippines

Global ITU Celebration – Inter-Generational Dialogue and Mentorship Sessions
Event Details:
  • Date: 25 April 2024 
  • Time: 08:00-17:00  Philippines time  (GMT+8) 
  • Venue: FEU Tech Innovation Center, Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines

The morning sessions were conducted in a hybrid format.

Programme Agenda

8:00 – 9:00

Arrival of guests and Badging

9:00 – 9:30

Opening Ceremony

  • Ivan John Uy, Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Philippines
  • Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations (Video message)
  • Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, Telecommunication ​Development Bureau​, ITU
  • Gustavo González, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines

9:30 – 10:15

High-level Segment (Remarks from Women and Girl leaders)

  • H.R.H Princess Beatrice (Video address)
  • Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce (Video address)
  • Honey Castro, Deputy Director for Management Services, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
  • Betty Chung, Acting Mission Director, USAID
  • Rosanna Adao, Executive Director, FEU Institute of Technology
  • Daisy Wachira, Field Programs and Development Manager, W4.org
  • Karenina Yustika, ITU Generation Connect Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy

10:15 – 10:30

Coffee Break and Networking

10:30 – 11:45

Inter-generational Dialogue

This session fostered an inter-generational dialogue on leadership in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by bringing together girls and women leaders and experts in the ICT sector. The moderators facilitated discussions by posing the questions to both girls and women in ICT, allowing for a dynamic exchange of perspectives, contributions, and experiences to other girls and women in ICT as speakers involved. Audience participation through questions is encouraged, enhancing the depth and richness of the dialogue.

This dialogue also provided a platform for insights, reflections, and strategies on leadership in ICT, aiming to inspire and empower both current and future generations of girls and women in the ICT sector.

Moderators:

  • Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, Telecommunication ​Development Bureau​, ITU
  • Zoe Angeli Uy, Youth Digital Advocate, Philippines

Panellists:

  • H.E. Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Namibia (Online)
  • Alfiah Rizqi Ramdhini, Generation Connect Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy, Indonesia
  • Dr Tahani Amer, Aerospace Engineer, NASA (Online)
  • Lys Esther Karikumutima, EAC Youth Advocate from Burundi
  • Sonita Te, Head of Computer Science Department at Institute of Digital Technology (IDT), Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) (Online)
  • Agita Pasaribu, Founder and Executive Director of Bullyid Indonesia
  • Ava Nadir, Commissioner at the Iraqi Communication and Media Commission (CMC)
  • Ma. Rosalyn G. Mesina, Country Programme Coordinator, UN Women Philippines

11:45 – 12:30

Closing Ceremony: Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, DICT and DIWA Role Models

12:30 – 13:30

Lunch

13:30 – 16:15

Mentorship Sessions (In-person session)

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

  • Michelle Alarcon, President of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP)
  • Sara Venturina, Chief Data Officer, GCash
  • Atty. Laurice P. Esteban-Tuason, Senior Vice-President and Corporate Compliance & Data Protection Officer, Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

Blockchain

  • Jen Bilango, Country Manager of Coins.ph
  • Gail Cruz Macapagal, Country Director, DynaQuest Technology Services

Cybersecurity

  • Darlene Jardin, Program Officer for Cybersecurity and Strategic Partnership, USAID BEACON
  • Ingrid Beroña, Chief Risk Officer, Gcash
  • Jan Chavez-Arceo, Founder, Impact Solutions Research Institute
  • Col. Francel Margareth Taburlopa, AFP, Spokesperson

Digital Creatives

  • Marla Rausch, President of Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP)
  • Janicca Juniller, Assistant Vice-President and Program Management Lead for Digital Channels, Corporate Website, Chatbot, AI/ML, Converge ICT Solutions

Workshop – Intro to Robotics

  • Jammy Jamasali PCpE, Assistant Director, Computer Engineering Department of Far Eastern University

Digital Careers in the Gig Economy

  • Marjorie Aviso, CEO and Founder of Telework PH
  • Pamela Baluyo, CEO and Founder, Scales Expert Inc.

Internet of Things (IOT)

  • Maria Raisa Helga Ysaac Orbon, Chief Marketing Officer of Packetworx
  • Glycirynne Dianne Cruz Apolonio, Assistant Vice President and Head of Client Network Operations, Converge ICT Solutions

Robotics

  • Mylene Abiva, President and CEO of FELTA Multi-Media Inc. Philippines

Digital Arts

  • Marlyn Montano, Vice-President, Animators, Council of the Philippines Inc.

16:15 – 17:00

Networking