More women needed in ICT business UN agency shows
Science, technology, and innovation are key drivers of the increasingly global and digital society. But less than 30% of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals are women. And there is approximately half the number of girls studying STEM subjects compared to boys, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) reports.
ITU is the United Nations’ specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICT). The agency organizes an annual Girls in ICT Day that this year is held on April 28 with the theme Access and Safety.
“With this inequality persisting through the 21st century, the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion of women in STEM is dire. The main goal of Girls in ICT is to cultivate the presence and digital skills of young women and girls [aged 12-24] in the career field of STEM, particularly ICT.”
The importance of young people’s empowerment in STEM and ICT is a key focus at ITU this year.
“The first ever Generation Connect Global Youth Summit will be held from June 2nd to 4th in Kigali, Rwanda, preceding WTDC. The event will have sessions focused on women empowerment in ICT and STEM. It will be in hybrid format to allow participation from around the world.
Globally, 57% of women are using the internet compared to 62% of men. And worldwide only 30% of tech science and technology professionals, ITU data shows.
“If women are unable to access the Internet and feel safe online, they are consequently unable to develop the necessary digital skills and engage in digital spaces. This in turn diminishes their opportunities to pursue careers in STEM related fields. The 2022 theme hence seeks to encourage discussions and events aimed at overcoming the access and safety barriers that girls face when they aspire to pursue STEM studies and careers.”
The Girls in ICT Global Dialogue will mark this year’s celebration of Girls in ICT Day. It will take place in the framework of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2022, as part of Gender Mainstreaming track promoting gender equality and inclusion of women in STEM/ICT.
“All over the world, girls and young women want to join the digital revolution. When we remove barriers of access and safety, women and girls can make remarkable contributions to and be empowered by ICTs. To put it simply: tech needs girls, and girls need tech,” says Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau.
Girls in ICT Day programme for 2022 includes an interactive global dialogue hosted on 28 April on ICT access and safety for girls will take place as part of the 2022 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum.
ITU regional offices are holding Girls in ICT Day events to encourage girls and young women to learn about technology and find STEM careers.
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