The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has trained 13,981 girls in basic ICT skills through its Girls-in-ICT Initiative since 2012.
The initiative, adopted following its launch by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has also provided training to 1,600 teachers nationwide.
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, disclosed this at the climax of this year’s Girls in ICT Day in the Greater Accra Region.
Mrs Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the increasing influence of technology in daily life as we enter a digital era.
She pointed out the gender disparity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, which have been predominantly male-dominated.
“We need to introduce deliberate measures to bridge this digital divide to offer a level playing field for our young ladies to also become innovators and problem solvers of our world today and tomorrow,” the Minister stated.
This year’s programme in the Greater Accra Region saw the participation of 1,000 girls from basic schools. The top 100 performers were awarded laptops and cash prizes, further encouraging their pursuit of ICT skills.
The Girls-in-ICT Initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the gender imbalance in technology fields and equipping young women with essential digital skills for the future.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
