In today’s fast-changing world, technology is no longer a luxury. It has become a basic part of education, communication, business, healthcare, agriculture, and everyday life. From the use of mobile phones and computers to artificial intelligence and robotics, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is shaping the future of the world.
As society becomes more digital, one important question must be asked: Are girls being given equal opportunities to participate in this digital future?
This is why the celebration of Girls in ICT Day is so important.
International Girls in ICT Day is observed every year to encourage girls and young women to explore opportunities in technology and to help bridge the gender gap in ICT-related education and careers. It reminds us that girls are not only users of technology but can also become creators, innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers in the digital world.
At the basic school level, this celebration is
especially important because it helps shape the mindset of young girls early
enough. It builds confidence, breaks harmful stereotypes, and opens doors to
future possibilities.
Why Girls in ICT Matters
For many years, society has often created the false impression that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are mainly for boys. As a result, many girls grow up feeling that ICT is too difficult or not meant for them.
This belief is wrong.
Girls are intelligent, creative, patient, and capable
of solving problems. These qualities are powerful in the field of ICT. When
girls are encouraged to learn digital skills, they gain confidence and become
better prepared for the future.
ICT is not limited to programming alone. It includes many exciting areas such as:
- graphic design
- web development
- digital marketing
- data analysis
- cybersecurity
- robotics
- animation
- app development
- artificial intelligence
- teaching technology
- online entrepreneurship
A girl who learns ICT today may become a software
developer tomorrow, a digital entrepreneur next year, or a technology leader in
the future.
The 2026 Theme: AI for Development – Girls Shaping the Digital Future
The 2026 International Girls in ICT Day theme, “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” carries a powerful message.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how the world works. AI helps improve education, healthcare, agriculture, banking, transportation, and many other sectors. It is already part of our daily lives, often without us even realizing it.
If girls are not included in learning and shaping AI, society risks leaving behind half of its talents and ideas.
Girls must not only use AI tools; they must also help create them. They must be part of the conversations, the innovations, and the leadership that define the future.
When girls participate in AI and ICT, development
becomes more inclusive, more balanced, and more effective.
How Tsiyinu M/A Basic School Commemorated the Day
On Thursday, 23rd April 2026, Tsiyinu M/A Basic School proudly joined the global celebration of International Girls in ICT Day under the theme: “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”
The school organized a special program aimed at inspiring girls to take interest in ICT and helping all pupils understand the importance of digital skills in modern life.
The event brought together pupils, teachers, invited guests, parents, and members of the community in a meaningful and educational celebration focused on empowering the girl child through technology.
The program began with an opening prayer, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the School Anthem. The Master of Ceremony welcomed everyone and introduced the purpose of the celebration, explaining the global significance of Girls in ICT Day and why it matters for young girls in basic schools.
The Headteacher delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing that girls must not see ICT as a subject meant only for boys. He encouraged the girls to be confident, curious, and determined in learning digital skills, stressing that the future belongs to those who are prepared for it.
A keynote presentation on “Why Girls Belong in ICT and AI” was delivered, where pupils learned about the many career opportunities available in technology, including software development, graphic design, robotics, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
A motivational session titled “Girls and the Digital Future: Starting Small, Dreaming Big” encouraged the girls to begin with simple digital skills such as typing, using computers for learning, and asking questions without fear. They were reminded that every expert once started as a beginner.
Pupils also actively participated through student presentations. A female pupil delivered a speech on “My Dream Career in ICT,” while others performed a poem recitation titled “Girls Can Shape the Future” and a presentation on women role models in technology. These performances were inspiring and showed the growing confidence of the girls.
The school ICT team organized an ICT demonstration and practical session where pupils were introduced to how technology and AI can support teaching and learning. This practical exposure helped pupils see technology as a useful tool for education and problem-solving.
An ICT quiz and mentorship session followed, allowing pupils to test their knowledge while learning from a female guest speaker who shared her personal journey and encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams in technology.
One of the most memorable parts of the program was the pledge session, where the girls collectively pledged to believe in themselves, learn ICT with confidence, use technology responsibly, and support one another in shaping the digital future.
Although the planned drama presentation titled “ICT Is for Everyone” could not be performed due to time constraints, all other major activities were successfully carried out, and the objectives of the celebration were fully achieved.
The event was highly successful and left a strong
impact on the pupils, especially the girls, who were inspired to see ICT as a
pathway to leadership, creativity, and future career opportunities.
The Role of Schools
Schools play a major role in promoting girls in ICT.
A school should not only teach ICT as a subject for passing exams. It should also help learners understand how technology connects to real life and future careers.
Teachers must encourage girls to ask questions, participate actively during ICT lessons, and explore digital tools with confidence. They must avoid words or attitudes that discourage girls from trying.
Schools can also organize:
- Girls in ICT Day celebrations
- coding clubs
- computer practice sessions
- ICT quizzes and competitions
- digital literacy workshops
- mentorship programs with women in technology
- career talks from ICT professionals
Such activities help girls see technology as something
they can own and lead.
The Role of Parents
Parents also have an important responsibility.
Sometimes girls are discouraged at home without anyone realizing it. A parent may unknowingly say things like “computers are for boys” or “girls should focus on other things.” Such statements can reduce confidence and limit ambition.
Parents should instead support curiosity and learning. They should encourage girls to explore educational technology, ask questions, and practise digital skills.
A girl who receives support both at school and at home
is more likely to grow with confidence.
Breaking Fear and Building Confidence
Many girls do not avoid ICT because they lack ability. They avoid it because they fear failure.
They may think:
- “I am not smart enough.”
- “Technology is too hard.”
- “I might make mistakes.”
- “People will laugh at me.”
But every expert was once a beginner.
Learning ICT starts with simple things: typing correctly, using educational software, creating documents, searching for information responsibly, and learning basic computer operations.
Confidence grows through practice. Skill grows through consistency.
Girls must understand that they do not need to be
perfect before they begin. They only need the courage to start.
Real Impact of ICT on the Girl Child
When a girl learns ICT, the benefits go beyond the classroom.
She becomes:
- more independent
- more confident
- better prepared for future jobs
- more capable of solving problems
- more able to contribute to family and community development
ICT can also create income opportunities through freelancing, online business, content creation, digital services, and entrepreneurship.
This means empowering girls through ICT is not only an
educational decision. It is also a social and economic investment.
A Call to Action
The future is digital, and girls must not be left
behind.
Governments, schools, teachers, parents, and
communities must work together to ensure that every girl has access to ICT
education and the confidence to participate fully.
We must stop seeing girls as passive users of
technology and start preparing them as future innovators.
We must create classrooms where girls feel safe to ask
questions.
We must celebrate their success.
We must support their dreams.
We must make ICT spaces welcoming, inclusive, and
inspiring.
Conclusion
The celebration of Girls in ICT Day is more than a
school event. It is a movement for inclusion, opportunity, and future
leadership.
The successful commemoration by Tsiyinu M/A Basic
School clearly demonstrated that when schools intentionally create opportunities
for girls to engage with technology, confidence grows and possibilities expand.
When we empower the girl child in ICT, we empower families,
communities, and nations.
Girls belong in technology.
Girls belong in innovation.
Girls belong in leadership.
Girls belong in the future.
Let us teach them.
Let us support them.
Let us believe in them.
Because when girls rise in ICT, society rises with
them.
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