The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations in Ghana is embarking on an ambitious endeavor to empower 3,000 girls through its Girls-In-ICT initiative in 2025. This represents a significant expansion from the previous editions, which offered face-to-face training to only 500 girls alongside an additional 500 online participants. The upcoming program will be conducted across three regions: Volta, Upper East, and Upper West, with each region hosting 1,000 girls for intensive in-person training sessions. This shift to a fully in-person model aims to foster a more immersive and interactive learning experience, enabling participants to gain practical skills in information and communication technology (ICT). The Ministry’s decision to scale up the initiative stems from a commitment to inclusive digital skills development and a recognition of the crucial role girls and young women can play in shaping the future of technology.
The enhanced Girls-In-ICT program will provide comprehensive training covering a wide range of ICT domains. Participants will receive instruction in coding, providing them with the fundamental building blocks of software development and digital creation. They will also gain proficiency in basic computer operations, equipping them with essential digital literacy skills for navigating the modern world. Given the increasing importance of cybersecurity in an interconnected world, the program will incorporate training on cybersecurity principles and practices, empowering the girls to protect themselves and their digital environments. Beyond technical skills, the training also encompasses creative digital tools, fostering innovation and allowing the girls to express themselves through digital mediums.
To further enrich the learning experience and provide valuable insights into the tech industry, the program integrates mentorship sessions with accomplished women in technology. These sessions offer a unique opportunity for participants to learn from role models, gain career advice, and build crucial networks within the field. Furthermore, ICT competitions will be incorporated to inspire healthy competition and encourage girls to apply their newfound knowledge and skills in practical scenarios. These competitions will also provide a platform for showcasing their talents and building confidence in their abilities. Complementing the technical training and mentorship, the program will include career development workshops designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to navigate the job market and pursue fulfilling careers in the tech industry.
The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations emphasized the transformative potential of empowering girls with ICT skills. He highlighted the positive ripple effects that can extend beyond individual empowerment to community development and ultimately, contribute to broader national development. By equipping girls with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the digital age, the initiative aims to create a generation of tech-savvy individuals who can drive innovation and progress in Ghana. This commitment to investing in girls’ education and technological empowerment aligns with Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to ensure equitable access to digital tools and education for all citizens.
The Ministry’s efforts to promote digital inclusion and bridge the gender gap in technology have garnered support from various stakeholders, including TATA Consultancy Services (TCS). During a visit to the Minister, a TCS team led by the President-MEA, Sumanta Roy, commended the Ministry’s work and expressed interest in supporting the Girls-In-ICT Initiative. TCS highlighted the alignment of the initiative with its corporate social responsibility agenda, which focuses on promoting education, fostering digital skills, and empowering underrepresented groups, particularly young women in the tech industry. This potential partnership signifies a commitment from both the public and private sectors to invest in the future of girls in technology.
The Girls-In-ICT Initiative, launched in 2012, underscores Ghana’s long-standing commitment to fostering an environment where girls and young women are encouraged to pursue studies and careers in the rapidly growing ICT sector. By providing comprehensive training, mentorship opportunities, and career development support, the program seeks to equip participants with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in the tech industry. This initiative not only empowers individual girls but also strengthens Ghana’s overall digital capacity and contributes to the country’s ongoing journey towards a more digitally inclusive and prosperous future. The expansion of the program to 3,000 participants signifies a significant step forward in closing the gender gap in technology and creating a more equitable and innovative digital landscape in Ghana.
