“Girls in ICT Day 2024 has been driving a transformative movement across the Asia and the Pacific region, empowering young women to thrive in digital technology fields. Through this movement, the region has showcased their dedication to inspiring girls and young women to pursue careers in technology and leadership roles,” said Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau.

“I am delighted to see that the Asia and the Pacific region has continued the global movement to ensure a robust impact. Trainings and activities organized in observance of International Girls in ICT Day highlight the commitment to empowering young women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – or – STEM fields, essential for digital gender equality,” he noted.

According to ITU data, an estimated 64% of women in Asia and the Pacific are online compared to 68% of men in 2024.

In the Asia and the Pacific region, year-long celebrations for Girls in ICT Day 2024 have provided girls and young women with sustained engagement and opportunity to build digital skills, pursue careers in ICT, and be inspired by female role models. The extended schedule has enabled more thorough training programmes and activities, addressing a larger audience and sustaining momentum in closing the gender gap in STEM disciplines.

Across the region, as celebrations continue, it’s clear that the impact is growing. Highlights of ongoing efforts ensuring that more young women are empowered through these initiatives include:

In Thailand, the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Thailand, together with other Girls in ICT partners, including private sectors, academia, and civil society organizations, offered specialized training programmes to students and teachers. Focused on Leadership in Digital Transformation and Digital Skills Empowerment, these initiatives, which ran from April to August 2024, equipped participants with essential skills for success in the digital era. Participants reported increased confidence in utilizing digital tools and understanding the potential of ICT in their future careers.

“Through the Girls in ICT initiative, I had the privilege of learning from industry leaders and receiving mentorship from experienced professionals. These experiences have sparked my passion for technology, and have equipped us, the participants, with the skills to become future innovators in the ICT field.” — Ploynara Kalapakdee, 15 years old, female student of BanRaiWittaya School, Uthai Thani Province, Thailand

The Pacific Girls in ICT 2024 programme, launched during the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association’s Annual General Meeting in Vanuatu organized by the Government of Vanuatu, the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association, and the Pacific Telecommunications Council, attracted participants from Tonga, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Samoa, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Emphasizing online safety and digital literacy, the initiative included virtual training sessions that enhanced skills crucial for digital inclusion, particularly in remote areas. Participants gained practical knowledge and skills in navigating online platforms safely, enhancing their readiness for future digital challenges.

“We applied what we learned during the training to create a webpage, an online safety guide, and an e-marketplace page for our business. As a young woman in our business group, I feel proud to actively contribute to finding a market for our vanilla beans. This is the first time I’ve contributed in such a significant way to support my village and it feels really good.” — Jenelyn Marmber, 19 years old, Young Vanilla Farmer from Wewak, Papua New Guinea

India’s celebration in May, organized by the Department of Telecommunications, the Centre for Development of Telematics, and the Broadband India Forum, featured a series of Coding Challenge sessions for school students. This event not only raised awareness but also provided practical knowledge, showcasing collaborative efforts to empower young women through technology. Participants expressed eagerness for applying newly acquired digital skills in their educational and professional journeys.

“Participating in the Coding Challenge has been an eye-opening experience for me. I’m excited to use the digital skills I’ve learned to explore new opportunities in my education and future career. This event has truly inspired me to continue learning and growing in the field of technology.” — Beaas Karmakar, 16 years old, female student of PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya AFS Arjangarh School, New Delhi, India.

Girls in ICT Day celebrations serve as initiatives for closing the gender gap in STEM fields across the region, inspiring young women to pursue STEM studies, use digital technology, and develop leadership skills. These programmes provide participants with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in ICT-related careers.

This is an ITU Development #DigitalImpactUnlocked story

About Girls in ICT

Since 2011, International Girls in ICT Day, celebrated globally each year on the fourth Thursday of April, encourages girls and young women to discover how ICT can support their career goals.

Learn more about Girls in ICT Asia and the Pacific 2024 here.

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