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International Girls in ICT Day will be celebrated on 25 April, with the theme ‘Leadership’. According to the ITU, the largest leadership gender gaps are found in the STEM fields. The ITU says women in ICT often find themselves in junior or support roles rather than managerial roles, and are also less likely to hold executive positions, become ICT entrepreneurs, or be represented among science and technology policymakers. The IITPSA has championed the progression of girls and women in ICT for decades. While the gender gap has narrowed somewhat in South Africa’s ICT sector, we still see fewer girls than boys studying ICT, and a gender imbalance at senior level. Therefore, our Women in IT (WIIT) chapter members are applying their minds to initiatives that could have a positive impact and help close these gaps.
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Gender gaps are equally concerning for our peers in neighbouring Zimbabwe, where our members were recently invited to participate in a two-day conference on women in ICT. We continue to engage on this and other pertinent topics with our fellow African countries’ computer societies. This month, the IITPSA will also stage a webinar for young people and parents, outlining what careers and opportunities there are in the ICT sector. In addition, we plan to host a topical virtual event looking at how women in ICT can build their own leadership capabilities through self-learning, personal brand building and networking. Please follow our events calendar and social media channels for updates on how to register for these free events. Warm regards, |
