Manila, April 25, 2024 — In a remarkable display of global unity and commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders in technology, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) of the Philippines hosted the International Girls in ICT Day 2024 at the FEU Tech Innovation Center. The event not only celebrated the potential of young women but also showcased their growing influence in the ICT sector.

The day kicked off with an illustrious opening ceremony featuring key figures such as DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, who warmly welcomed participants and emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing girls’ involvement in ICT. Notable was the video message from Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who highlighted the crucial role of technological skills in achieving sustainable development. Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines cited the DICT as the strongest advocate for solving the gender digital divide.

The high-level segment included inspirational messages from global leaders like Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, who addressed the audience via video. Local leaders such as Honey Castro of the Philippine Commission on Women, and international advocates like Betty Chung from USAID, also contributed their insights, fostering a dialogue of encouragement and empowerment.

The morning progressed into a riveting inter-generational dialogue, moderated by Zoe Angeli Uy, a Youth Digital Advocate from the Philippines. This session was a vibrant exchange of ideas between experienced and emerging tech leaders, including ICT Minister Emma Theofelus of Namibia, and Dr. Tahani Amer from NASA, who joined online. They discussed challenges, opportunities, and inspirations for young women aspiring to enter the ICT field.

Dr. Zavazava, Director at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), opened the ceremony with words of gratitude for the host, the Government of the Philippines, and outlined the significant strides the country has made in bridging the digital, gender, and skills gaps. “We celebrate today not just our achievements but the future potential of our young women in technology,” Dr. Zavazava stated, highlighting the ongoing global challenge where women and girls continue to be underrepresented in ICT and STEM careers.

Despite considerable progress, Dr. Zavazava pointed out a distressing 5% global internet usage gap between men and women, with only 29% of women in Least Developed Countries having internet access. He emphasized the potential losses to societal progress and innovation if these gaps remain unaddressed.

To combat these disparities, the ITU has been proactive through initiatives like the Girls in ICT Day, with over 11,400 celebrations since 2011, and mentorship programs in technology and cybersecurity. Dr. Zavazava also announced the launch of the ITU-EQUALS – Her Digital Skills Badges, offering free online courses to prepare young women for ICT careers.

Highlighting individual contributions, Dr. Zavazava welcomed participants like Daisy from Kenya and Lys from Burundi, who attended with support from global partners. He also acknowledged the efforts of local leaders such as Jocelle Batapa Sigue, Undersecretary for Information and Communications Technology of the Philippines, for her leadership and engagement in ITU initiatives.

In the afternoon, the program shifted focus towards mentorship and practical experiences. Several parallel sessions were held, each catering to a different aspect of ICT, from Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to Cybersecurity and Digital Creatives. These sessions were facilitated by experts and provided an invaluable opportunity for young attendees to gain insights and network with seasoned professionals. Highlights included interactive mentorship on cutting-edge topics like Internet of Things (IoT) and Robotics, facilitated by local and international tech leaders.

All DICT Regional and Provincial offices also conducted mentoring sessions in the own areas, tapping local women ICT leaders as speakers.

The event was also filled with a networking session, allowing participants to forge connections that promise to extend the influence of the day’s discussions far beyond the event itself. Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue succinctly captured the spirit of the day, underscoring the potential of ICT as a tool for innovation and equity.

DICT Philippines Hosts International Girls in ICT Day 2024 with a Strong Focus on Leadership and Digital Inclusion

Manila, April 25, 2024 – The Philippines proudly hosted the global celebration of International Girls in ICT Day 2024, marking a significant milestone as the event was held for the first time in the country. Secretary Ivan John Uy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) delivered the opening address, welcoming guests from around the world and emphasizing the event’s theme of “Leadership.”

Secretary Uy highlighted the DICT’s commitment to fostering an environment where women in ICT, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are recognized as essential to innovation and progress. He spoke about the personal significance of this mission, noting his role as a father to daughters interested in ICT. “It is our duty and our privilege to support and empower young women, ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed and lead,” Uy stated.

During the event, Secretary Uy outlined several strategic initiatives by the DICT to advance the participation of girls in ICT. Top among these is the Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) initiative, which promotes training, courses, careers, certifications, and policies supporting women and girls in the tech sector.

The celebration also featured the announcement of the recent launch of the National Broadband Plan, aimed at enhancing internet access across the Philippines. The plan includes a 1,245-kilometer cable network with a 600 Gbps capacity, projected to increase the country’s internet penetration rate from 33% to 65% by 2026.

Secretary Uy also mentioned the signing of the National Cybersecurity Plan to protect all citizens, especially girls in ICT, in cyberspace. This initiative, along with the Free Wi-Fi Access in over 13,000 public sites, aims to improve internet accessibility, particularly for those in remote areas.

The event underscored the DICT’s dedication to creating an inclusive digital environment where women and girls are encouraged to excel in ICT. Secretary Uy extended his gratitude to the International Telecommunication Union and Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava for their ongoing support and leadership in global ICT initiatives.

As the world watched, the Philippines set a precedent for future International Girls in ICT Days, reaffirming its commitment to digital inclusivity and the empowerment of young women in technology.

DICT Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Advancement in Tech on International Girls in ICT Day

On International Girls in ICT Day, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) has renewed its commitment to fostering gender inclusivity in the tech sector through the Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) initiative. This strategic effort aims to place women and girls at the forefront of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, driving progress and promoting a fair digital environment.

This year’s celebration is centered around the theme of “Leadership,” underscoring DIWA’s focus on enhancing female representation in ICT roles. According to Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development at DICT, the initiative is designed to provide essential resources, developmental tools, and access to influential role models in STEM fields. “Our goal is to empower women to become pioneers in technology, not only transforming the industry but also serving as beacons for future generations,” she stated.

The event also marks a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of women leaders in tech, whose innovations are spearheading industry transformations and inspiring young girls to pursue STEM careers. The support from the International Telecommunication Union highlights the global effort to achieve gender parity within the tech world.

DIWA is positioned as a key component of the international strategy to ensure gender diversity in technology. By empowering girls and young women to delve into ICT, DICT aims to equip them with the skills necessary to be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. “The success of today’s event is a testament to our unwavering dedication to this cause,” emphasized Undersecretary Batapa-Sigue.

The DICT is calling upon stakeholders, industry partners, and the community to support this initiative. The collective effort is aimed at building a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures female talent in ICT, thereby contributing to the overall growth and development of the sector.

In closing, Undersecretary Batapa-Sigue reaffirmed the department’s dedication to ongoing efforts: “We are committed to maintaining momentum and ensuring that the potential of women in ICT is fully realized, benefitting not only our nation but the global community at large.”

Thirteen colleges and universities participated at FEU Tech Innovation Hub while 61 schools in different regions participated remotely.

The full video can be found here: https://www.itu.int/webcast/archive/d2024girls

Pictures at the ITU site are here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/itupictures/53674612897/in/album-72177720316431380/