QUEZON CITY, Metro Manila – May 24, 2023 – In an unwavering commitment to empower women in the digital age, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announces the hosting of the ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit and the Girls in ICT Day Philippines 2023 (GICT 2023). These trailblazing events fall under DICT’s transformative initiative, the Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) program and is co-organized and supported by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in Asia and The Pacific.
Scheduled to unfold at Chardonnay by Astoria, Pasig City, Metro Manila, GICT 2023 is slated for June 8, followed by the ASEAN-wide Policy Summit on June 9, 2023. These notable events underscore the alignment of DICT’s initiatives with the the decision of ITU last year to champion Girls in ICT Day throughout the year, rather than confining it to the fourth Thursday of April annually.
With the aim to bridge gender gap in ICT, both the GICT 2023 and the ASEAN Policy Summit will shine a light on the critical role of young women and girls, aged 12 to 24, in the digital transformation of the region. The events provide a vibrant platform for attendees to enhance their digital skills, gain insights into policymaking, and contribute substantially to the ongoing digital revolution.
Adding a celebratory note, these events are intricately woven into the fabric of the National ICT Month (NICTM) 2023, enhancing its significance. The two-day program is set to host a myriad of ICT professionals including keynote speakers, expert panelists, and workshop leaders who will impart their knowledge, share valuable insights, and provide opportunities for networking and mentorship.
“DICT under the leadership of Secretary Ivan John Uy is steadfast in its commitment to enhance participation and access of young women and girls in ICT. This unique platform offers an invaluable opportunity to bolster digital skills, engage with industry experts, and create lasting connections with peers and potential mentors,” affirmed DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, the esteemed chair of NICTM 2023 and convenor of DIWA.
Batapa-Sigue, also the Philippine councilor to the ITU Council, emphasized DICT’s mission to construct more platforms and devise solutions to accelerate gender equality, broaden women’s influence in ICT, and to ensure the crucial role of girls and young women in regional digital transformation.
These events signal a pivotal step towards a future where women are not just participants in the digital world, but also trailblazers and innovators. It sends a resonant message to the global community about the indispensable role of young women and girls in sculpting the digital terrain in the Philippines and beyond.
For more information about the Girls in ICT Day Philippines 2023 and ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit, please reach out to ouiid@dict.gov.ph.
Jocelle Batapa Sigue 