The stakeholders who gathered for the 13^th edition which recently held in Lagos, also noted that more work need to be put in, further disclosed the need to have young girls ascribing for roles in ICT as a means of guarding their future and contributing to the growth of all sectors in the economy.

Speaking in her opening remark, Convener and CEO of eBusiness Life Communication Limited, organisers of the campaign, which had girls from 10 different schools in and around Lagos State and corporates from the ICT industry in attendance, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro noted that calls and letters from participating students from past editions of the event are testaments to the impact the campaign is having on Nigerian girls.

“From this very platform, we have been able to raise a lot of girls. Some of them are already working. I have received a good number of mails from them thanking me for how that helped them change their perceptions, and they are now studying ICT-related causes. The numbers are getting better and it will continue to get better. We will continue to do this campaign to see it getting better,” Mrs. Daro disclosed.

“We cannot gather all the girls in Nigeria in one room, but there is a need to spread the news, even as we are streaming this activity live on YouTube and Instagram.”

Reeling out the figures, she quoted an ITU statistics that showed the progress made, disclosing that since its inception in 2011, there has been 377,000 girls and young women taking up careers in ICT and 11,400 celebrations in over 171 countries. It is not just in Nigeria, but all over the world.

While encouraging the girls to change the stereotype that bequeaths ICT careers to boys, she noted the abysmal statistics that need to change.

“While women make up about 47% of the global workforce, they are underrepresented in STEM. Just 3% of students joining ICT courses globally are women.”

This year, the theme, ‘Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation’, underscores the need not just to participate, but to lead the world in digital transformation.

Mrs. Emuophedaro called on corporate bodies, governments and other stakeholders to create a conducive environment and an inclusive tech space for girls everywhere.

She also charged the girls to believe in themselves and take up the challenge.

“Do girls use technology? Yes! But that is not all we want. Apart from using, we want them to create technology. Also no matter what sector you are in, you need to have some in-depth knowledge of technology. “

In her global message Secretary General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that ITU is committed to empowering 100 million girls with digital stills and called on partnerships to achieve this.

She stated: “We celebrate the power and potentials of girls and young women as leaders, creators and change-makers in the digital age. 189 fewer women than men are using the internet in 2024. That is too many missed opportunities to learn.”

She encouraged governments and corporate organisations to support the campaign to build a crop of girls of the future.

Also speaking at the event, Vertical Head, High Net-worth Individuals, Globacom, Adeboye Adeniji, noted that Globacom that believes in the power of Nigeria’s talents, especially the amazing potentials in young, vibrant, brilliant and beautiful girls.

“We live in a world powered by technology, from the phones we use, to the Apps we love, to the networks that connect us, for example, Globacom. ICT is everywhere. You belong in that world, you are the future, not just as users, but as leaders, creators and innovators,” she encouraged the girls.

She further noted that when girls have the tools, the training and the confidence, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

“Whether you dream of becoming a Software Engineer, a Robotic Expert, a cyber-security Analyst, or even the next big tech CEO, everything is possible. Don’t let anyone tell you tech is only for boys. That is simply not true. You are smart and smart enough to work in tech, to build your own tech company. You are strong enough, and you have every right to dream as big as you want. So, keep learning, stay curious, ask questions, and never be afraid to try. Because the future of technology isn’t just built in Labs and Boardrooms, it is being built here in classrooms like yours. From all of us in Globacom, we believe in you, we support you, and we can’t wait to see how you change the world.”

In her presentation, Bisola Oladejo, head, Cybersecurity & Compliance Advisory, Digital Encode, encouraged the girls to stay on top of any career path they may choose, and to research the available options in the field of ICT, as there are so many career paths in ICT.

Speaking on why girls matter in ICT, she said they bring uniqueness and colour, making Apps interesting.

She also noted that ICT is important to girls because it affords and empowers them with skills, opportunities and confidence to thrive in a digital world, breaking gender barriers and unlocking social and economic potentials.

Oladejo however noted the root causes of low female participation in ICT to include, limited STEM education in schools; social media distraction; low funding, lack of adequate access to internet and ICT gadgets; gender bias from families; cyber-bullying, among others.

She called on governments to formulate deliberate initiatives that target female inclusivity in ICT, and to partner with NGOs and ease private sector initiatives.

The event saw the girls compete in STEM Quiz competition, Robot programming competition and Students’ Roundtable, winning prices and receiving gifts from the organisers.

Also, Awards were also giving to two deserving women in ICT – Funmilola Victoria Omojola (ICT Touch Holder Award) and Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore (ICT Advocacy Award).

The International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that seeks to bridge the gender divide in ICT related careers by encouraging girls to build a foundation that will position them in tech-related jobs of the future.

This virtual bootcamp will empower over 200 young girls from Lagos, Benue, Kaduna, Anambra, Kano, Oyo, Kwara, and Abuja with essential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, inspiring them to lead in digital innovation and leadership.

Through a dynamic series of interactive virtual workshops, hands-on activities, and mentorship sessions, participants aged 12 to 25 will receive comprehensive training in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Analytics, Coding, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving.

Modupeola Bello Olukoya, founder of the Love for Change Women Foundation (LCWF), explains that the InnovatHER STEM Bootcamp is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 4, and 1—Gender Equality, Quality Education, and Poverty Alleviation.

“The first session held in September 2024 empowered 30 girls,” she noted. “Now, the 2025 STEM Virtual Bootcamp marks a significant leap forward, with over 200 girls already registered.”

“While the initiative aims to nurture a new generation of young women to drive innovation and leadership in technology and engineering, it also equips them with the soft skills needed to build their confidence and thrive in STEM fields and beyond. We’re not just teaching girls to use tech—we’re helping them reshape their futures,” she added.

April 24 marks Girls in ICT Day, and the 2025 theme, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” underscores the importance of ensuring equal and equitable digital inclusion for all young women and girls, especially those in vulnerable situations. It’s a compelling call to action to bridge digital divides and encourage more girls to pursue careers in STEM and ICT.

Initiatives like the InnovatHER STEM Virtual Bootcamp represent critical steps toward closing the global gender gap in STEM and advocating for equal opportunities in digital innovation.

In his keynote address at the event, Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), charged the girls to follow evolving trends in the world of technology and pursue excellence in order to make a difference in the workforce of the future.

Dr. Maida, who was represented by Nnenna Ukoha, the deputy director/ head, Corporate Communication, NCC, noted that there will always be gaps to be filled in the ICT field.

According to the NCC Boss, the significance of encouraging young girls and women to consider careers in ICT stems from the fact that the gender represents half of the global population, and it will only be fair and equitable to seek their views and input in standards that are essential to the shaping of technology.

Furthermore, he noted that encouraging these girls is an investment in the future of the nation.

“The ICT sector offers exciting and well-paid career opportunities; from software development to data analysis, cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, the opportunities are endless. By encouraging more girls and women to enter the ICT field, we can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has equal access to the opportunities of the digital age,” Maida opined.

He further encouraged young women to latch onto the provisions of Federal Government’s 3MTT initiative, which seeks to provide  and empower young Nigerians with technology career opportunities in AI/Machine Learning; Data Analysis & Visualisation; User Interface (UI), User Design (UX) among others.

In a virtual message from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the Secretary General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin explained that the 2024 theme, “Leadership”, speaks to more than holding a job title or position of power, but about harnessing the power of ideas and innovation, and the ability to navigate change with confidence even as a student.

“Right now, just 21% of all ICT Ministers are women, and only 32 out of 165 ICT regulators are led by a woman.  In the highest positions of government, gender equality will not be reached for another 130 years. In the private sector women in technologists occupy less than a third of positions and face a pay gap of up to 21%. Just 22% of AI workers globally are women.  And the hiring rate of women in tech leadership roles has stalled. When we look at C-Suite roles in STEM, just 1 in 8 is held by a woman.”

She called for investment in girl education, mentorship and skill-building opportunities so they can not only succeed, but thrive as digital trailblazers.

Manager, South-West Zonal office, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mrs. Jumoke Alaka, who represented the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Inuwa Abdulahi, highlighted the numerous opportunities inherent in the ICT sector, and implored the young girls to stay away from negative sides of technology as a means of impacting the society positively.  She encouraged them to also read hard copy materials as a means of retaining knowledge and referencing. She encouraged them to read more of hard copy materials to avoid distractions and easy switch to unnecessary Apps that come with reading from gadgets.

Mrs. Alaka also charged parents to guide their children on the beneficial use of ICT gadgets.

While taking the young girls on an insightful tech-talk session, Digital Strategist and Founder, ‘MissTechy’ – Nigeria’s top Female Tech Blog and video channel, Oluwatobi Ayeni, charged them to be inquisitive and explore ICT. This, she noted, will help them develop interest that will culminate into driving initiatives and filling gaps in technology.

Dr. (Mrs.) Ochuko Ibe, CEO, MyHealthHub, while taking the girls on a health talk, challenged them to look at situations around them and seek ways of plugging gaps with technology. She referenced her journey through different fields and how she developed a passion for technology and now uses it to bridge medical gap in rural and underserved areas.

In her welcome address, Convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, citing ITU’s estimate of skills shortfall of over two million jobs in the ICT sector within the next five years, said girls and young women who learn coding, apps development and computer science will not only be well-placed for a successful career in the ICT sector, but ICT skills that are rapidly becoming a strong advantage for students in just about any other field they might choose to pursue. “Girls with ICT skills can expect to earn good salaries and enjoy plenty of career opportunities.

Girls in ICT Day reminds us that ICTs help to improve the lives of people everywhere – through better health care, better environmental management, better communications, and better educational systems that transform the way children and adults learn.”

Referencing the 2024 theme, Mrs. Daro noted: “While there is a leadership gender gap in every industry, the largest gaps are found in the STEM fields. Women in ICT often find themselves in junior or support roles rather than in managerial roles, with little opportunity for advancement. They are also less likely to hold an executive position, become ICT entrepreneurs, or be represented among science and technology policymakers.

To thrive in STEM, girls and young women must be exposed to women in leadership positions, fostering inspiration and breaking down barriers that hinder their progress. The Girls in ICT Day 2024 theme aims to address these challenges, encouraging empowerment and leadership development for a more equitable future in STEM.”

The event was attended by 170 students from 17 schools across Lagos and Ogun States, and several other guests from the corporate world.

Activities at the event included STEM Quiz and Vlogging competitions; Students roundtable, which was anchored by foremost journalist, Louisa Olaniyi, random quiz and entertainments.

In the Vlogging competition, moderated by tech enthusiast, Digital Strategist and Founder, ‘MissTechy’ – Nigeria’s top Female Tech Blog, Oluwatobi Ayeni, Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Secondary School, Yaba to the First Prize, while the Second and Third Prizes went to Chrisland College, Ikeja and The Lagoon School, Lekki.

In the STEM Quiz Competition, the top prize went to The Lagoon School, Lekki, while Baptist Girls Academy, Obanikoro and Government Senior College, Agege settled for the 2^nd and 3^rd positions.

The Event got partnership and support from the NCC, NITDA, Globacom, Digital Encode, VDT Communications, Digital Realty, Huawei Technologies, Inq Digital and CocaCola.

This year’s theme for the International Girls in ICT campaign is ‘Leadership’ as stated by the ITU.

This statement was made with its backing of the 2024 edition of the International Girls in ICT Day campaign being organized by eBusiness Life Communication Limited.

The event, which will hold at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on May 9, 2024 is part of an annual campaign initiated by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to sensitise and encourage young women and girls to delve into ICT and related careers, which is seen to have been dominated by the male gender. The theme for this year is “Leadership”.

In a related development, Nigeria’s fully integrated telecommunications company, and Mobile Network Operator, Globacom Nigeria has also indicated interest in being part of this year’s campaign.

The NCC and Globacom have been consistent in their support for this campaign that throws more light on the need to groom technologically-inclined girls for the future.

According to Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, the publisher/CEO of eBusiness Life Communication and convener of the event, the annual event underscores the important role women are meant to play in the future of innovative technology.

While appreciating the companies and institutions that have supported the campaign over the years, Mrs. Emuophedaro called on other forward-looking organisations to join hands with eBusiness Life to sensitise young girls on the need to strategically position themselves for the careers of the future by latching on the provisions of technology today.

She noted that the campaign is premised on the fact that the society has unconsciously relegated the female gender and delegated careers in technical fields, especially in ICT, to their male counterparts.

According to her, effort should be made to introduce young girls to career opportunities in technical fields in both the public and private sectors to help them have a wider range of options and contribute their quota in the industry and in the development of the economy.

She said:

“We need to equip the girls with transferable and lifelong skills such as critical thinking, creativity and digital awareness. Having role models will also be critical, especially in the sciences and other fields where the presence of women is sparse.”

The 2024 International Girls in ICT celebration event will feature different competitions among female students from widely selected private and public secondary schools.

These include STEM Quiz and Video Logging Competitions. Other features of the day will include Student’s Roundtable Discussion; interactive and motivational talk from renowned women ICT professionals, including media tech influencer, MissTechy; and general students’ quiz competition, among others.

Awards and gift prizes will be given to winning schools and students of the Quiz and Tech competitions. Also Awards will be given to deserving women that have exemplified themselves in the ICT industry.

The International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative launched through ITU Resolution 70 with the idea of creating a global environment that will empower and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in the field of information and communication technologies.

The Union declared the 4th (fourth) Thursday in April every year as a day to highlight the annual campaign to encourage girls and young women to consider careers in ICT, and society is reminded to support them in their choice.

At the end of the event, it is expected that the young girls should be able to introspect and pursue any desired career path in ICT, technical or not, without bias, or being gender conscious.

The National Girls in ICT Competition invites secondary school girls to unleash their creativity and problem-solving skills, tackling real-world challenges through technology.

Benefits

This competition goes beyond technical expertise. It’s a launchpad for young girls to:

• Develop invaluable skills: Learn coding, programming, web development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, sharpening abilities and building a foundation for future success.

• Gain recognition and support: Receive valuable exposure from government agencies, educational institutions, and industry leaders. This recognition will validate individuals’ hard work and open doors to new opportunities and mentorship.

• Network and learn: Collaborate with fellow aspiring innovators, participate in enriching workshops and mentorship programs, and forge connections that will last a lifetime. This network will provide epic support and guidance as they walk through their journeys in the ICT field.

• Stage 1 Participants: E-Certificate and guidelines to set up girls in ICT clubs.

• Stage 2 Participants: Honourable mentions, certificates, and access to online courses.

• Stage 3 Participants: Scholarships, laptops, trophies, and certificates for winners.

Eligibility

Open to all girls currently enrolled in secondary schools in Nigeria.

How to apply

Registration: The first step is taking the leap! Sign up individually or gather your team with the support of your teachers. This is where the adventure begins.

Problem-solving: Look around your community. Identify a challenge that resonates with you, a problem that cries out for a solution. Then, unleash your creativity and develop a tech-driven answer that has the potential to make a real difference.

Training Boost: Participate in a 5-day state-level training program designed to refine your skills and polish your solution. This intensive program will empower you to compete confidently.

Regional Competitions: Showcase your innovative solution in regional competitions, impressing judges and vying for a coveted spot in the national finals. This is where your dedication and ingenuity shine.

Virtual Pitching: The grand finale! Present your polished solution to a panel of qualified judges in a virtual pitching competition. Captivate them with your vision and passion, and win recognition for your outstanding work.

The National Girls in ICT Competition will enable young girls to discover their potential, make a difference in their communities, and become the architects of a brighter future. So, take the leap, unleash your creativity, and join the movement.

Apply via the website to kickstart your journey of skill development, innovation, and leadership. Let’s bridge the digital divide and empower girls to become the changemakers of tomorrow. Application deadline is on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

Themed “Access and Safety,” the day was marked to reinforce the safety for girls and young women to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and the need for safe and reliable access to the internet and digital tools. This year and every year, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and partners work together to develop solutions and ideas for lowering barriers to access and improving safety online for girls and young women.

The event held at the newly launched Microsoft facility in Lagos with young girls from Girls Senior Secondary Grammar School Obalende, Ikoyi Lagos, female tech enthusiasts as well as 30 ladies under 30 with no prior tech knowledge all in attendance.

The audience was treated to inspiring conversations, one-on-one sessions with mentors, a tour of the office facility, and an introduction to skilling pathways in technology.

On their part, the 30 ladies under 30 who attended the observance without an academic degree or career in tech left with renewed energy willing to pursue careers in tech and software engineering.

Hosted by Sefunmi Wande-Durojaye, Lead Ecosystem and Program Development at Microsoft ADC-West Africa, the observance sparked conversations in ICT for girls during the day-long event, with a keynote address delivered by Bolanle Olumekor, Knowledge Management Assistant at United Nations Information Centre Nigeria.

Participants had the opportunity to hear inspiring and insightful speeches from the speakers during the sessions. Paula Wigwe, Business Manager at Microsoft ADC-West Africa, shared a relatable story of how she got into tech even though her first degree was in Estate Management. Her story had a lot to do with her curiosity, resilience and being focused.   

Beyond the significance of internet access and safety for young women, the day was leveraged as another channel to inspire young women interested in STEM to dream and believe in a future at Microsoft like many women, they had the opportunity to meet.

Jacquelyn Ekwueme, Senior Program Manager in the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), and Adora Nwodo, Software Engineer in Mixed Reality, shared their experiences on ways to become a voice and remain relevant within the tech industry.

Per opportunities in skill advancement, Microsoft ADC West Africa partnered with Utiva and Skillup Africa to help the females in skilling up toward their career journey in tech.

Other notable sessions during the day included a career session anchored by Tejumade Olaniyi, Recruiter at the Microsoft ADC West Africa and an experience at the Garage led by Lydiah Karanja, Program Manager of the Garage, ADC East Africa.

The Garage session gave the participants the opportunity to try their hands on a few projects, bringing home how very accessible and fun tech can be for young women.