Ghana’s nationwide Girls-in-ICT (GIICT) initiative has kicked off its Greater Accra region program, hosting a two-day mentorship and climax events aimed at inspiring elementary school girls to pursue careers in technology.
This regional installment, part of a broader national effort, is being held at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, under the theme “Leadership,” and has brought together over a thousand young participants eager to learn about opportunities in the ICT sector.
The Girls-in-ICT (GIICT) initiative, launched by the Ministry of Communication and Digitisation, is part of a 2012 multinational project supported by all International Telecommunication Union (ITU) member countries. It aims to promote gender equality in the ICT industry at all levels of the profession.
Day one of the program on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, saw an impressive lineup of female tech leaders sharing their personal stories and offering motivation to the assembled girls.
The event, chaired by Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, featured a diverse group representing a wide range of ICT specialties, offering participants a comprehensive view of the opportunities available in the tech sector.
The mentorship team, comprised of eight accomplished women in various tech-related fields, includes notable figures such as Mrs. Yvette Adounvo Atekpe, CEO of Dimensions Data, and Dr. Nana Yaa Tina Owusu Prempeh, Board Chair of Ghana Domain Name Registry.
These leaders, along with other professionals, shared their journeys and insights, providing real-world examples of success in the ICT industry.
Other mentors include Doreen Aidoo, Information Security Manager at MTN; Akosua Asieduaa Asare-Brewu from the Environmental Protection Agency; and Maame Amam Simpson, Manager for Enterprise Segment and Product Development at MTN.
The team is completed by Sarah Odoi-Amoani, Ghana’s STEM ambassador; Lucy Mawutor, a lecturer at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT; and Ms. Ama Bawa from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
Their collective experience and motivational speeches aim to break down barriers and stereotypes that might discourage girls from pursuing STEM education.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Kaufmann delivered a powerful message to both the young participants and their parents.
She encouraged the children to be observant and proactive, stating, “Look around you and identify what you can do to contribute to our changing world.” This call to action aimed to inspire the girls to envision their potential roles in shaping the future through technology.
Importantly, Prof. Kaufmann also addressed parents, urging them to “desist from forcing children to pursue a course against their wishes.” This highlights the importance of allowing children to follow their own interests and aptitudes, particularly in fields like ICT where passion and genuine interest can be key drivers of success.
The program, concluding tomorrow, will combine these inspirational talks with hands-on training, giving participants a practical taste of what a career in ICT might entail as Ghana takes significant steps towards building a more inclusive and diverse tech workforce for the future.
By showcasing successful women in the field, the initiative seeks to encourage more girls to consider tech-related careers.
As part of a nationwide effort, this Greater Accra program highlights Ghana’s commitment to developing its technology sector while ensuring gender diversity. Similar events have taken place in other regions, amplifying the impact across the country.
As it climaxes on Wednesday, July 10th, the success of this initiative in Greater Accra may serve as a model for other regions and countries seeking to address gender disparities in STEM fields and prepare their youth for the digital future.
