April 23

International Girls In ICT Day

Empower the future tech-leaders this International Girls in ICT Day! Support them to pursue their dreams in the ever-growing world of technology.

Yearly Date

Fourth Thursday in April

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

It's time to celebrate and empower the future innovators in technology on International Girls In ICT Day on April 25! Established in 2010 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this day is dedicated to inspire and motivate girls and young women around the world to consider a future career in the exciting world of tech. We came a long way since the first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace, who laid the groundwork for the digital age back in the 19th century. Technology nowadays is fast-paced and ever-changing, and it is vital that we equip the next generation of tech-leaders with the confidence and skills they need to succeed. So let's don our virtual reality headset, recharge our high-tech gadgets, and dive into the world of coding and algorithms to celebrate this exhilarating day!

International Girls In ICT Day Timeline

1822

Ada Lovelace - First Programmer

Ada Lovelace conceptualizes the first algorithm intended for processing by a computer, effectively becoming the world's first programmer.

1961

First Woman in Space

Soviet astronaut Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman to fly to space, proving that women are capable of making significant contributions to ICT.

1971

Email Invented by a Woman

Ray Tomlinson sends the first email; TCP/IP, the foundational protocol of the internet, was later co-invented by Radia Perlman.

1984

First Woman in Apple's Leadership

Joanna Hoffman joins Apple Computer, becoming its first woman of marketing and aiding in the launch of the seminal Macintosh.

2010

Girls In ICT Day Initiated

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrates the first International Girls in ICT Day, to empower and encourage girls and young women to consider studies and careers in ICTs.

How to Celebrate International Girls In ICT Day

1 Host a tech-related workshop

One of the best ways to encourage girls in ICT is by organizing a tech-oriented workshop. This could be coding, robotics, or web development. Through these workshops, girls can gain hands-on experience and develop an interest in technology.

2 Promote role models in ICT

Introducing girls to successful women in tech can be incredibly inspiring. Share stories of accomplished women working in different areas of ICT, from programming to data analysis.

3 Create a tech fair

Organize a tech fair where girls can display their tech projects and inventions. This gives them an opportunity to show off their skills and also learn from each other’s creations.

4 Establish an ICT club

Start a club dedicated to ICT, where girls can learn and explore diverse areas of technology, from gaming to AI. This can help them to nurture their tech skills and passion.

5 Collaborate on tech projects

Encourage girls to collaborate on a tech project of their choice. Through collaboration, they learn teamwork, problem-solving and the power of combining skill sets and ideas.

Why We Love International Girls In ICT Day

Promotion of gender diversity

International Girls in ICT Day promotes gender diversity in an industry often dominated by men. This not only advocates for equal opportunity, but it also fosters different perspectives and ideas which leads to better innovation within the tech field.

Inspires the next generation

By highlighting the accomplishments and potential in technology fields for young women and girls, this day serves as an inspiration for the next generation. The tech industry holds immense potential for a bright future and this day encourages girls to seize these opportunities.

Practical hands-on experience

Girls in ICT Day fosters hands-on involvement. By hosting tech workshops, fairs, and collaborative projects, participants acquire practical experience in various technological sectors. This can ignite a passion for technology and enhance their skills, setting them up for success in ICT fields.