As we celebrate International Girls in ICT Day 2025, today, Thursday, 24th April 2025, we are reminded that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” (Eleanor Roosevelt). In today’s digital age, technology plays a vital role in shaping the future of various careers. However, the ICT sector still faces a significant gender gap, with girls and women underrepresented. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM education and careers in ICT can help bridge this divide and foster inclusive digital transformation.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” emphasizes the importance of bridging the digital divide and promoting equal access to opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for girls and young women. As Hillary Clinton aptly puts it, “We need to be serious about supporting and nurturing our girls if we are serious about building a better, stronger and fairer future.”
A Brief History: How the Movement Began
International Girls in ICT Day was launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2011. Since then, it has been observed every fourth Thursday in April, aiming to bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with a particular focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). From modest beginnings, the day has grown into a powerful movement that celebrates girls and women in tech, inspires role models, and encourages organizations and governments to break down systemic barriers. Over the years, it has led to thousands of events in more than 150 countries, reaching over 400,000 girls globally. In 2025, the ITU, along with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Arab States regions, will host a global livestream, connecting young girls and thought leaders from Bishkek to Nouakchott, igniting inspiration across continents.
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with more than 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. However, African girls remain vastly underrepresented in digital and STEM careers. According to UNESCO (2024), women make up only 30% of tech professionals in sub-Saharan Africa, with even fewer in leadership and decision-making roles. The gender digital divide in Africa is among the widest globally, with millions of girls lacking basic internet access, let alone digital literacy or advanced tech training.
To bridge this gap, we must prioritize the integration of ICT and digital education into national curricula, starting from primary school. Governments, private sector leaders, tech companies, and parents must work together to provide structured mentorship programs, industry internships, and targeted scholarships that uplift girls and young women in tech-related fields. As the African proverb goes, “When you educate a girl, you educate a nation.”
By empowering girls in ICT, we can unlock innovation, create jobs, and drive inclusive development. Girls bring creativity, resilience, and a deep understanding of their communities’ challenges. When we invest in their digital education, we’re not just changing their lives; we are transforming the entire continent.
Let’s work together to create a more inclusive digital world where girls and women can thrive in ICT and related fields. As we say in Africa, “A single thread can break, but together, threads can make a rope strong enough to hold a nation.” On this International Girls in ICT Day 2025, let us not only inspire but act. Because an inclusive digital Africa is not possible without girls. Let’s teach her, equip her, mentor her, and trust her. Because Africa’s girls are Africa’s power.
