Pasig City, Metro Manila – Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Representative, delivered an inspiring speech at the Philippine Girls in ICT Day event held in Pasig City. The event celebrated the important role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in empowering girls and women while addressing gender inequality in the field.

Expressing her pleasure in celebrating Girls in ICT Day, she acknowledged and thanked the girls and young women from all over the Philippines who participated in the event, both on-site and online. She also recognized the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Office in Asia and The Pacific for organizing the event and their ongoing commitment to empowering girls and young women.

She highlighted the significance of technology and digital skills in ensuring the full and equal participation of girls in the digital society. She emphasized that access to technology is not a luxury but a necessity for empowerment and progress. However, she noted with concern that girls and women continue to face barriers such as gender stereotypes, limited resources, and insufficient training and educational opportunities, hindering their involvement in the digital economy.

Referencing data from the International Telecommunication Union, she underscored the global gender gap in internet use, calling for the creation of more opportunities for women and girls to benefit from digital technologies.

She praised the Girls in ICT initiative as a beacon of hope, encouraging girls and young women aged 12-24 to pursue academic and professional careers in STEM, specifically in ICT. She emphasized that girls and young women are not just recipients but active enablers and shapers of their future. The global campaign for “Digital Skills for Life!” aligns with the United Nations’ objectives to promote gender equality and expand access to technology.

Dendevnorov highlighted the commitment of the United Nations to advocate for and support gender equality, empower women and girls, and maximize their potential to transform lives and societies. She emphasized that everyone, regardless of gender, should have the ability to access and benefit from ICT opportunities.

By placing a spotlight on the importance of ICT in achieving gender equality, she Dendevnorov stressed that technology is not just a tool but a vehicle for empowerment, economic growth, and social progress. She encouraged the women and girls present to embrace their potential fearlessly, pursue their academic and professional careers with confidence, and believe in themselves as leaders, innovators, and trailblazers in the ICT industry.

Dendevnorov acknowledged the challenges along the journey but urged the girls and young women to work with mentors, surround themselves with supportive individuals, and break down gender stereotypes. She called for a future where women’s contributions to technology are celebrated and embraced.

In closing, she celebrated the achievements of girls and young women in ICT and encouraged them to dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in themselves. She emphasized that their brilliance, resilience, and passion are needed to build a future where girls and young women lead technological innovation and make a lasting impact on society.

The Girls in ICT Day event concluded with a resounding message of empowerment and limitless possibilities for girls and young women in the ICT field.