By Violet Mashonga
As Zimbabwe marks the belated International Girls in ICT Day, the call to promote digital skills among girls has never been more urgent—or more promising.
The commemorative event, hosted at Chinhoyi University of Technology, brought together a diverse range of stakeholders committed to championing the empowerment of girls and young women in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Minister of ICT, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, underscored the broader implications of supporting girls in ICT, stating that it is not only about individual empowerment but also about shaping a stronger, more prosperous nation. Quoting an African proverb, she said, “If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
This year’s theme, “Girls in ICT: Bridging All Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation,” spotlights the urgent need for digital inclusion. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the active participation of women in ICT is critical—not just for fostering innovation and driving economic growth, but for ensuring our digital future is equitable and inclusive.
A key champion of this cause, Zimbabwe’s First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, has been instrumental through her She Tech Initiative.
Her visionary leadership has led to the establishment of a Tertiary Education Scholarship Fund, providing much-needed financial support to girls pursuing ICT-related studies.
Minister of ICT, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera
This initiative has attracted strong backing from various stakeholders in the tech sector, opening doors for young women to thrive in previously male-dominated fields.
The government’s commitment to gender equity in ICT is also evident in its launch of the Digital Skills Ambassadors Program, which aims to train at least 1.5 million coders in 2025—ensuring that women and girls make up at least 50% of the beneficiaries.
Such programs are vital in narrowing the gender digital divide and fostering a generation of female tech leaders.
At the heart of this movement lies education. Providing girls with access to digital skills training, mentorship, and role models is essential in unlocking their full potential.
As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan aptly said, “To educate girls is to reduce poverty.”
Empowering girls in ICT requires a unified effort. Governments, industries, educators, parents, and community leaders must collaborate to build a nurturing ecosystem—one that supports girls at every stage of their digital journey.
In conclusion, as we look to the future, it is imperative that we continue to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation of women in technology.
By bridging digital divides and creating equitable opportunities, we can ensure a thriving digital economy that benefits all. Let us join hands to build a future where every girl has the tools—and the confidence—to lead in the digital age.
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