Celebration of Girls in ICT

The date April 25, 2024, commemorates the celebration of Girls in ICT Day.

In today's technology-driven world, diversity in STEM fields is not just desirable; it's imperative. However, despite strides in various sectors, women remain significantly underrepresented, especially in leadership roles. This Girls in ICT Day, the theme of "Leadership" this year underscores the crucial need for strong female role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. 

The story of "the ENIAC girls". 

The celebration of Girls in ICT Day resonates deeply with the story of the ENIAC programmers, also known as "the ENIAC girls." These remarkable women, recruited during World War II, played a pivotal role in programming the world's first all-electronic programmable computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC). 

Their significant contributions to technology advancement went largely unrecognised for decades, with their names absent from public records and news articles when the ENIAC was unveiled in 1946. Tasked with programming a machine they knew little about, they worked tirelessly to program the entire ENIAC, revolutionising computer programming and paving the way for the digital age. 

Their story highlights the resilience, ingenuity, and contributions of women in technology, making it a fitting narrative to celebrate on Girls in ICT Day. Just like the Bletchley Park codebreakers, the ENIAC programmers deserve recognition as pioneers in the field of digital programming. Their induction into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame in 1997 finally brought their achievements to light, cementing their place in history as some of the world's first digital programmers. 

Girls in ICT Day 2024—Leadership—is a call to action.

Statistics reveal a concerning reality: while women occupy 40% of high-skill occupations globally, their presence in ICT-related fields lags behind. From software development to policy making, women are conspicuously absent, exacerbating the leadership gender gap, which is most pronounced in STEM. 

At RightBrains, we recognise the urgency of addressing this disparity. Our mission is to empower women in digital technology by providing opportunities for mentorship, networking, and skill development. 

Girls in ICT Day 2024—Leadership—is a call to action. By fostering environments where girls can interact with and learn from female leaders in STEM, we're paving the way for a more equitable future. Our empowerment and leadership development initiatives aim to ensure that talent is recognised, and opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of gender. 

Ultimately, achieving gender parity in STEM isn't just about fairness; it's about unlocking the full potential of our collective talent pool. By empowering women to lead in STEM, we drive innovation, foster creativity, and create solutions that benefit society as a whole. 

As we celebrate Girls in ICT Day, let's reaffirm our commitment to dismantling barriers and creating pathways for success. Let’s build a future where every girl can thrive and lead in STEM. Join us in shaping the next generation of female leaders in digital technology. 

Credit to:

https://www.itu.int/women-and-girls/girls-in-ict/#:~:text=Save%20the%20date%3A%2025%20April,be%20celebrated%20on%2025%20April. 

https://www.girlmuseum.org/the-eniac-girls-who-revolutionised-computer-programming/