Telecommunication Company ,MTN Ghana has underscored the increasing influence of technology in the world and the crucial role it plays in the development of a country.
The Company has therefore pledged its sustained commitment to “Girls-In ICT “(GIICT)Program being implemented by government to power Ghana’s digital economy.
Addressing the climax this year’s “Girls -In ICT ” program in Koforidua ,the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, emphasized the need to promote the participation of girls and women in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
She said the theme “Digital Skills for Life,” perfectly represents MTN’s commitment to lead the way in digital solutions for Africa’s progress and to shape a dynamic new digital world.
She stressed that ICT embodies the future, offering limitless prospects for creativity, innovation, and career development, potentially serving as a solution to developmental challenges in Africa.
Recognizing the gender gap prevalent in the tech industry, Adwoa Wiafe expressed MTN’s unwavering commitment to fostering gender diversity which extends to sponsorship, mentoring, education, and the exposure of young girls to the world of ICT, with the goal of closing the gender gap and creating an environment where every girl envisions herself as a tech leader.
Adwoa Wiafe encouraged young participants to embrace this opportunity, explore, learn, and grow their professional careers.
She emphasized the importance of nurturing their curiosity and passion, believing in their capabilities, seeking knowledge, and confronting challenges head-on.
While praising the positive aspects of technology, she also acknowledged its drawbacks, hence her encouragement of responsible internet use, highlighting the need to stay safe and exercise caution with online posts, as “the internet does not forget.”
In conclusion, she called on everyone to continue empowering, inspiring, and supporting each other on this exhilarating journey into the world of ICT.
Key supporters of the program include MTN Ghana, GIFEC, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and the Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence
The “Girls in ICT” program, initially introduced in 2012 by the International Telecommunications Union, aims to empower girls and young women in the digital realm to pursue promising careers.
Ghana has embraced this initiative, celebrating it annually on a regional basis.The program provides coding training, enabling girls to create websites, computer games, mobile apps, and more.
To date, over 80,000 girls have benefited from the initiative, with 1,615 laptops distributed to outstanding girls and teachers. Moreover, Cyber Laboratories have been established in beneficiary regions.
Culminating this year’s celebration in Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region, Minister of Communication Ursula Owusu-Ekuful underlined the importance of maintaining this program.
She said the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 and Ghana’s ICT for Accelerated Development policy.
Ursula Owusu noted that some program beneficiaries are pursuing tertiary education in ICT, while others are developing solutions to address national challenges.
In the Eastern Region, the “Girls in ICT” program trained 1,000 girls across all 33 districts and municipalities, with all participants receiving certificates of participation. Notably, New Juaben South was recognized for the overall best performance of the beneficiary girls, followed by Nsawam Adoagyiri and Upper Manya Krobo. One hundred top-performing girls received laptops, and the top three participants who excelled also received cash prizes. Plans are in place to establish Cyber Laboratories in the best-performing districts.
The “Girls in ICT” program in Ghana continues to empower and prepare young women for the digital economy, with the support of key organizations and the vision of bridging the gender digital divide. This initiative is gaining momentum and recognition across the nation, remaining a critical step toward achieving Ghana’s ICT goals.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
