Girls In ICT Day

Georgia Stone
Dec 22, 2023 By Georgia Stone
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur
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Discover more about International Girls In ICT Day

Where is Girls In ICT Day celebrated?

International Girls in ICT Day is observed in over 150 countries worldwide to increase awareness, training, learning, and promoting young women's professional growth in the field of information and communication technology (ICT).

Who is Girls In ICT Day celebrated by?

It's a global movement led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of the United Nations and its member nations all over the world.

When did Girls In ICT Day first start?

International Girls in ICT was officially announced by the ITU on April 8, 2011, to be held every fourth Thursday of April.

Who started Girls In ICT Day?

International Girls in ICT Day is a campaign launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) member states in support of empowering girls and women in the rapidly growing sector of information and communications technology.

ITU's goal in creating International Girls in ICT was to bridge the gender gap and provide skills training for girls at a young age to explore various technology careers in the private sector

History And Timeline

Women in computing were among the earliest programmers in the early 20th century, and they contributed significantly to the industry. As society and traditions changed, so did the position of women in computer programming, and the field's written history downplayed their accomplishments.

In the mid-'80s, roughly 40% of computer science graduates were women; by 2013, that figure had come down to 26%! Below are some insights into the history of women ICT professionals.

Return Of Halley’s Comet Predicted

Nicole-Reine Lepautre, one of the first known human computers, predicted the return of Halley's Comet by calculating the timing of a solar eclipse.

1750s

First-Ever Computer Program Published

Known as the first computer programmer and among the pioneer women role models in tech, Ada Lovelace wrote an algorithm to calculate Bernoulli's numbers for Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine in 1843.

1843

Computer Of Venus

Maria Mitchell was appointed the 'Computer of Venus' for the American Navy's Naval Almanac and was the first American to discover a comet!

1840s

First Graphing Calculator Patented

Edith Clarke, the first female electrical engineer, filed and received a patent for a graphing calculator in the '20s.

'20s

Earliest Compiler

In addition to being one of the first programmers on the Harvard Mark I the computer, Grace Hopper invented the earliest compiler.

'40s-'50s

Traditions And Customs

Young girls are discouraged from studying technology in many parts of the world. International Girls In ICT event is a way to show that IT is for women.

For example, Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) and ITU are cooperating to extend the reach and impact of youth-led, grassroots initiatives in Africa and create opportunities for young women and girls in the ICT sector.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Girls In ICT Day

It's easy to contribute and show your support. Share an article, video, or podcast about a woman in tech you admire on social media using the hashtag #GirlsInICT. Volunteer for a non-profit STEM organization focused on girls. Attend an event related to gender equality, or just write about your own experience in the field.

Facts And Stats

  • The year 2022 marks the 11th anniversary of Girls In ICT Day, which has been celebrated since 2011.
  • Companies like Ericsson offer programs like Connect to Learn to celebrate Girls in ICT Day with a focus on STEAM and ICT.
  • To mark Girls In ICT Day 2021, the European Broadcasting Union and the British School of Geneva teamed up with the BBC to let female students learn more about careers in ICT.

What day is Girls In ICT Day?

This day is observed annually on every fourth Thursday in April.

Why is this day important?

This day aims to eliminate gender disparity and create a more inclusive ICT sector.

Who invented the concept of Girls In ICT Day?

It was initiated by the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and its member states.

What does the United Nations say about International Girls In ICT Day?

The UN emphasizes that this day is important to empower girls to pursue a career in ICT.

What are some reasons for celebrating this day?

This is a day to promote women in the technology sector, with the goal of closing the gender gap.

What are some events similar to Girls In ICT Day?

Other related events include Zero Discrimination Day and International Women's Week. 

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, April 23, 2020
  • Thursday, April 22, 2021
  • Thursday, April 28, 2022
  • Thursday, April 27, 2023
  • Thursday, April 25, 2024

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Written by Georgia Stone

Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia Stone picture

Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.

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Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur

Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet Kaur picture

Amanpreet KaurBachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Birla Institute of Technology and Xavier Institute of Social Service respectively, coupled with her internships at Decimal Point Analytics and the Royal Bank of Scotland, has equipped her with the necessary skills to analyze complex data and present insights in an easy-to-understand format. Her paper on the impact of COVID-19 on CSR programs has received high commendation.

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