KAMPALA — Girls have been encouraged to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics careers as Uganda joined the rest of the World to mark the Girls in ICT Day.
Speaking to students on International Girls in ICT Day held at Uganda Communications Commission in Bugolobi, Eng. Irene Kaggwa Sewankabo the UCC Executive Director argued that young girls could create jobs for themselves in the ICT, provided they remained focused in their studies.
“They are huge opportunities and even those who are already employed are upgrading themselves. There are opportunities Africa can take advantage of and feed the rest of the world with the skills because we have a youthful population under 45 years. Very soon, the world will rely on Africa for employment and with the necessary skills, we can do it,” she added.
The UCC ED also urged teachers to challenge and dispel misconceptions some girls have about STEM.
“We want to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in ICT and to increase the representation of girls and women in technology”.
Eng. Kaggwa said the Day serves to inspire both government and the private sector to find ways to equip girls and young women with the skills they need to become ICT professionals.
“Empowering girls to choose a career in ICTs is not just good for girls and their families, it can be a major accelerator of socio-economic development at the national level,” she added.
The Minister of Information, National Guidance & ICT Judith Nabakooba commemorated the day by tasking women in ICT, with drafting workable solutions to influence ICT policy and law.
“As the government, we want to break the barrier so that women go into ICT. A lot of our informal business is happening online. We shall ensure policies to encourage ICT growth,” said Nabakooba.
Women in Uganda are increasingly adopting ICT in their businesses
which have provided them with the opportunity to engage in online trade to purchase goods and services, to advertise their products online and gain access to regional and international markets.
