28 April: International Girls in ICT Day

Every year on 28 April, International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about the urgent need for more young women and girls to pursue careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Supported by UN Women and other global organizations, this day highlights the importance of empowering girls with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed in our rapidly evolving digital world.

Technology plays an increasingly pivotal role across all professions—from art and history to law, education, and media. Gaining tech skills early equips girls for economic independence and rewarding careers. Yet, the ICT sector continues to face a significant gender gap, with a pressing need for greater female participation.

Jobs of the Future

The future workforce will be shaped by innovation and technology. Studies show that approximately 65% of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that do not yet exist. This reality underscores the importance of preparing girls with ICT skills, so they can confidently navigate and contribute to emerging industries.

The Role of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU) leads the annual Girls in ICT Day, observed on the fourth Thursday in April. This initiative promotes technology career opportunities for girls and young women in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.

According to the ITU, there is a projected global shortage of over 2 million ICT professionals within the next five years. Girls who learn coding, app development, and software engineering will not only be well-prepared for successful ICT careers but will also gain valuable skills that are applicable across nearly every field.

International Girls in ICT Day inspires governments and the private sector to find innovative ways to equip girls with the skills they need to become future technology leaders.

Brahima Sanou, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau and leader of the global Girls in ICT Day campaign, emphasizes that encouraging girls to choose ICT careers benefits not only individuals and their families, but also acts as a catalyst for national economic growth.

By 2015, Girls in ICT Day events had reached an estimated 177,000 girls worldwide through over 5,300 events in more than 150 countries. With ongoing support from ITU Member States, industry leaders such as Cisco, Ericsson, GSMA, Microsoft, and Oracle, as well as educational institutions, these numbers continue to grow each year.

Why Girls in ICT Day Matters

Despite the growing demand for ICT professionals, women remain underrepresented in the field. Encouraging girls to explore technology careers early helps close the gender gap and fosters diversity—key drivers of innovation. With ICT skills, girls can unlock new opportunities, challenge stereotypes, and become influential contributors to the digital economy.

Moreover, ICT education provides a foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability—essential traits in today’s fast-paced digital era. From coding and robotics to data science and cybersecurity, these skills open doors to a wide range of impactful and meaningful careers.

How to Support International Girls in ICT Day

Organize or participate in events: Schools, organizations, and companies can host workshops, hackathons, or mentoring sessions to introduce girls to technology.
Promote role models: Highlight inspiring women leaders in technology to motivate girls to pursue ICT careers.
Provide resources: Offer access to coding classes, online tutorials, and technology tools to make ICT learning accessible.
Encourage collaboration: Create environments where girls feel supported to experiment, innovate, and build confidence in their technical abilities.
Advocate for inclusive policies: Support initiatives that reduce barriers to education and employment in technology for girls and women.

Global Impact and Future Outlook

The Girls in ICT movement is transforming the global landscape by empowering young women to become technology innovators and leaders. As ICT continues to evolve, the inclusion of diverse perspectives enhances creativity and problem-solving, benefiting communities worldwide.

With ongoing support from international organizations, governments, private companies, and educational institutions, International Girls in ICT Day is driving progress toward a future where gender parity in technology is a reality.

Gallery of Inspiration

These images showcase girls engaging in ICT activities around the world, highlighting their enthusiasm, creativity, and potential as future tech leaders: