The first ASEAN Girls in ICT Day 2023 event held last June9 kicked off with an empowering welcoming speech delivered by Secretary Ivan John Uy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Held during the National ICT Month’s Digital Innovation and Inclusion Week (Week 1), the event aimed to recognize the potential of girls and women in the ICT industry while advocating for equality and inclusivity in the rapidly evolving digital sphere.

Secretary Uy expressed heartfelt gratitude to esteemed guests, including Kishore Babu, ITU Representative for Southeast Asia and other Member States in Asia and the Pacific, Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Representative to the Philippines, Dr. Lenny Rosalin, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Gender Equality, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Atty. Kristine Rosary Yuzon-Chaves, Executive Director at the Philippines Commission on Women, members of the academe, youth leaders in government, and all delegates and guests in attendance.

In his speech, Secretary Uy extended his appreciation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific for their generous support and trust in DICT’s commitment to the Girls in ICT program. The ITU’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable digital world served as an inspiration to all participants, emphasizing the significance of striving for equality and inclusivity in the ever-evolving ICT sector.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 5 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the event revolved around the theme “Girls in ICT: Digital Skills for Life.” The DICT emphasized the mission of ensuring equal access to ICTs for women and men, promoting equal participation at all levels and in all fields, including policy-making, economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Secretary Uy highlighted the importance of igniting interest and involvement of women and girls in digital technologies, education, certifications, and skills training. By recognizing and strengthening the integral role of women and girls in the digital realm, Secretary Uy emphasized the creation of an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can contribute and participate meaningfully.

The ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit is part of DICT’s Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) program, which plays a vital role in mainstreaming a gender perspective in the ITU. Inspired by the ITU Plenipotentiary 2022, DIWA aims to champion gender equality and harness the power of ICT for the advancement of women and girls, aligning with DICT’s commitment to an inclusive digital future for the Philippines.

DIWA led by DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa Sigue and all partners were involved in scaling the two-day event, which includes the Philippine Girls in ICT (June 8). He recognized the event as a concrete springboard for ASEAN to unite and address gender biases and barriers in the ICT sector. Acknowledging the reputation of the ICT industry in the Philippines and the broader ASEAN region for innovation and technological expertise, Secretary Uy emphasized the need to break glass ceilings, bridge digital divides, and dismantle stereotypes that hinder progress.

Furthermore, Secretary Uy emphasized the DICT’s determination and commitment, extending beyond imparting digital skills to young women. The ultimate goal is to empower them as leaders and trailblazers in the ICT sector. The event served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of women in ICT and reinforced the collective commitment to creating a more equal and fair landscape within the industry. Secretary Uy recognized that the success of girls and women in ICT is crucial for the overall success of the digital transformation journey.

Transforming the Philippines into a digitally-empowered nation is a shared goal that requires partnerships and collaboration. Secretary Uy acknowledged the collaborative spirit of organizations like ITU, educational institutions, industry partners, civil society organizations, parents, and families. Working hand in hand, these stakeholders aim to illuminate the path for girls and women in ICT, nurturing their talents, fueling their ambitions, and celebrating their achievements.

The Girls in ICT Day 2023 event stands as a testament to the potential of girls and women in the ICT industry. It reinforces the commitment to empower young minds and create a society where everyone, regardless of gender, has a fair opportunity to succeed in the digital age. With a shared commitment to gender equality and digital advancement, uplifting, supporting, and inspiring girls and women in ICT remains a vital endeavor that paves the way for a brighter and more inclusive future, Secretary Uy said.