In a landmark initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in the tech sector, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD) hosted an “Open Day” event for 100 selected girls at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE).
This event, part of the Girls in ICT Initiative (GIICT), seeks to inspire and mentor young females from the Savannah, Northern, and Eastern regions towards careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The Deputy Minister, Hon. Charles Acheampong (MP), delivered a motivating speech on behalf of the Sector Minister, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP). He emphasized the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges and striving for excellence.
“You can do anything and everything you set your mind to with the right support,” he assured the attendees.
Hon. Acheampong highlighted that the initiative seeks to bridge the gender digital divide and prepare girls for the global digital job market.
“Our aim is to equip these young girls with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in the digital world, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and innovative future.”
Hon. Charles Acheampong, MP and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalization
The Open Day event provided the girls with a unique opportunity to tour several key organizations within the ICT industry.
These included the National Communications Authority (NCA), National Information Technology Agency (NITA), MTN Ghana, American Tower Corporation (ATC), Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL), Cyber Security Authority (CSA), TELECEL, and AT.
The purpose of these tours was to enable the girls to meet professional women in the ICT sector and explore the myriad career opportunities available to them.
At each organization, the girls were introduced to various aspects of ICT operations and innovation. This exposure was designed to ignite their interest and show them the practical applications of the skills they are learning.
Empowering the Future Female Leaders in ICT
Dr. Collins Afari-Yeboah, the Director-General of the Ghana-Indian Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE), spoke on the importance of empowering girls with digital skills.
“The best way to predict your future is to create it,” he said, underscoring the role of education in shaping the next generation of female leaders in ICT.
Dr. Afari-Yeboah highlighted the center’s commitment to providing quality education and resources to support these young girls in their educational and professional journeys.
Mr. Ashutosh Singh, CEO of ACT Ghana, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with MoCD on this initiative. He announced that ATC would host the girls on July 30, 2024, offering hands-on experience with technologies like robotics and electronics.
This partnership signifies a collective effort to foster interest in STEM among young women and provide them with practical exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
The “Girls in ICT” open day event is a significant step towards bridging the gender digital divide in Ghana. By providing young girls with access to mentors, resources, and real-world experiences in ICT, the MoCD is helping to dismantle the barriers that often discourage women from entering and thriving in STEM careers.
The initiative is not only about education but also about building a supportive community that nurtures the ambitions of young girls. By meeting professional women in the industry, the girls can see tangible examples of success and understand that they, too, can achieve similar heights with dedication and hard work.
The “Girls in ICT” open day event at GI-KACE was a resounding success, inspiring 100 young girls to pursue their dreams in STEM. With the support of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, industry leaders, and dedicated mentors, these girls are well on their way to becoming the future leaders in ICT.
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