ICT Day aims to inspire a global movement to increase the representation of girls and women in technology, UN Chief says

Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations said that information and communication technologies have been invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic and they help people to stay connected, and to keep vital services and businesses going.

However, he added that almost half the world is still offline – and most of those who lack access to digital technology are women and girls in developing countries.

“Latest figures from the International Telecommunication Union show a 17 per cent gender gap in internet use globally” said Guterres in his message on the International Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day, adding that this is even wider in least developed countries and in some regions, this gender gap is growing, reinforcing gender inequalities by denying women and girls opportunities to access education, find better-paid jobs, and start new businesses.

International Girls in ICT Day is marked annually on 22 April.

“Making these technologies available to all is an essential part of building back stronger communities and economies, and addressing many of the world’s most pressing challenge” said the UN Chief. 

“International Girls in ICT Day aims to inspire a global movement to increase the representation of girls and women in technology. Today, let’s recommit to the goal of equal access for young women and girls to opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math” Guterres ended his message.