The future of technology is limitless, and girls have every right to be at the forefront of this digital revolution. International Girls in ICT Day is a celebration of young girls who dare to embrace the world of technology, coding, innovation, and digital creativity. The world needs more female innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in tech, and every girl who takes a step into this field is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse digital future.
Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April, International Girls in ICT Day, is an important initiative that highlights the need for gender equality and greater representation of girls and women in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2011, this day aims to inspire young girls to pursue careers in ICT and to show them the potential benefits of acquiring tech skills early in life. With technology integral to almost every field, including art, history, law, teaching, and design, mastering tech skills can open up economic opportunities and empower girls to be independent.
For 2025, the event will be observed on April 24 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, under the theme “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation.” This theme highlights the crucial role of technology in addressing digital divides, ensuring equal access to digital opportunities for all, regardless of gender, background, or location. The theme also emphasizes the importance of empowering young girls with the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
There are many inspiring women in STEM who are leading the way. For example, Modupe Odele, a Nigerian data scientist and the founder of She Codes Africa, is working to increase the number of women in technology and data science. She focuses on educating young women in Africa by offering coding boot camps, mentorship programs, and workshops that teach data analysis, machine learning, and coding. Modupe is passionate about reducing the gender gap in the tech industry. She has inspired many Nigerian girls to pursue careers in tech and works to build a strong community of women in technology.
Another great example is Ire Aderinokun, a Nigerian web developer and digital advocate. She is known for her work improving web accessibility and user experience. Ire has contributed to several projects that make the internet more accessible for people with disabilities.
She is also a Google Developer Expert in Web Technologies and regularly speaks at conferences on web development. Ire is dedicated to empowering others with the skills needed to succeed in web technologies, and she has inspired many young girls in Nigeria and Africa to pursue careers in tech.
AODI (Africa of Our Dream Education Initiative) plays a key role in this mission, particularly for girls and women in Africa. The organization provides mentorship, digital skills training and other capacity building programs to help young girls break into the technology and science fields. These efforts address critical barriers, including financial constraints, and offer guidance, mentorship, and a network of professionals already thriving in the field.
Celebrating International Girls in ICT Day reminds the world of the immense potential and opportunity that technology brings to all people, regardless of their background. With organizations like AODI leading the charge, the future looks brighter for young girls who aspire to break new ground in ICT and STEM fields.
By Oreoluwa Sonoiki.
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