Girls in ICT: Inspiring the Next Generation

On the 23rd of April 2020, OOTR participated on the online dialogue on Girls in ICT: Inspiring the Next Generation which was hosted by ITU. An audience of more than 250 joined the dialogue with 13 esteemed and influential ICT women as panelists and 2 moderators, were present on the dialogue. The Acting Regulator Cecily Faasau-Iakopo was the representative from Samoa who participated as one of the panelists. The issues discussed range from influence of ICT in the education sector, to factors affecting women in ICT careers. The discussion mentioned: 

• what inspiring message to the young girls online but also to other relevant actors on the importance of having more girls connected to technology in the near future?
• what is the role of regional organizations and how can they help national stakeholders to attract more women in STEM?
• what are some innovative ways to help girls learn about ICTs if they don’t have regular access to digital devices and the internet?
• what programs, or people, could you suggest to girls or young women with an interest or a career in tech to look into for inspiration?
• women’s access to skills is crucial to support their success as technology professionals. What is the role that the private sector can play?
• what is the role of the government in ensuring that women and girls are inspired by technology?

The online dialogue highlighted the importance of governments' engagement in empowering women through technology and drew attention to role models and mentors and how they can inspire girls and young women to take up careers in the tech field

The online dialogue was held from 14-15:30 (Geneva time). The program is presented below:

PROGRAMME

Moderator

·         Doreen Bogdan-Martin​, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union ​ 

Panelists

·         Betty G., Singer and UNHCR High Profile Supporter​ 

·         Laura Chinchilla, Former President of Costa Rica

·         Areewan Haorangsi, Secretary General of Asia-Pacific Telecommunity

·         Amani Abou‐Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Energy African Union Commission​

·         Wadha Bin Zarah​, Women Empowerment Director, Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT)​

·         Gulnara Abdyllayeva, Director, Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications (Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic)​

·         Kim I. Mallalieu (PhD), ​Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, The University of the West Indies​​​

·         Ingrid Sanchez (PhD)​, Education Specialist of UNICEF

·         Cristina Flutur​, Co-President of CEPT 

·         Leila Elmergawi, Economic Policy Advisor, US ​Department of State, ​The Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues (S/GWI)

·         Paula Ferrari, GSMA Latin America 

·         Cecily Faasau, Acting Regulator of The Office of Regulator Samoa   

·         Asma Zein, General Manager, Crypta sal and President of Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB)

Girls in ICT Day 2019 (pdf)

2019 1st Place

Photos

 Girls in ICT Day 2018 (pdf)

Photos

Girls in ICT Day 2017 (pdf)

 Photos

Girls in ICT Day 2016  

Girls in ICT Day 2015