Girls in ICT Initiative to Benefit Three Thousand Girls
In a massive effort to close the gender disparity gap in the technology sector, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation of Ghana has launched the 2024 edition of the Girls-in-ICT program to train 3,000 girls across three regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Volta. The program falls under the government's broader strategy to empower young women with digital skills and increase female participation in the ICT industry.
A total of 1,000 girls from each region will be trained in various ICT-related skills. Some of the topics taught include basic computer use, coding, web development, animation, game development, online safety, and responsible social media use. The hands-on nature of the exercise is targeted not just at building technical proficiency but also at evoking early interest in technology careers for the young girls.
In addition to technical skill training, the program also involves mentoring from accomplished women in the ICT industry. The sessions provide real-life insight, inspiration, and guidance, with the aim of empowering the next generation of women leaders in technology. The girls are also involved in group projects, which allow them to apply what they learn and develop confidence in problem-solving and collaboration.
One of the standout features of the program is that excellence is rewarded. At the end of the training period, the top 100 girls in each region receive laptops, modems, and other prizes to enable them to further their learning. Schools of top-performing students also receive fully fitted ICT laboratories to benefit an even greater number of students and ensure continued digital education.
Girls-in-ICT has trained over 14,000 girls and above 1,600 teachers in Ghana since its inception in 2012. The scaling up this year to train an additional 3,000 people is a milestone in Ghana's gender inclusion pursuit in digital development.
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that equipping girls with ICT skills is not just for employment but to place them as leaders and innovators in the digital landscape. As the programme is scaled up, it can transform the lives of thousands of girls and bridge the gender digital divide in Ghana.
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