Saturday, May 24, 2014

NIWIIT marks Girls in ICT Day

NIWIIT (Nigerian Women In Information Technology) will be marking the 2014 Girls in ICT Day on May 27, 2014. Venue is Rochas Foundation, Okigwe Road, Owerrii, Imo State, Nigeria. Time: 10am - 2pm. NIWIIT is an interest group of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), led by its President, Dr. (Mrs) Deola Iluchukwu focused on becoming one of the top recognized organizations advancing the cause of women and girls in IT in Nigeria.


According to the release from NIWIIT, a total of 5 female students from each of the15 schools invited from Imo, Abia and Enugu states are expected. Also invited are teachers from the schools, NIWIIT members from the 3 states and members of the public.

Although the International Day for Girls in ICT was observed on the 24th April 2014 globally, West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams were ongoing and schools were closed for the Easter break in Nigeria at that time. Since the target group for NiWIIT are JSS2, JSS3 & SS1 students, NIWIIT decided to shift its Girls in ICT day event to the month of May 2014.

According to Ilechukwu, NiWIIT decided to organize the event to mark that day on Tuesday, 27th May 2014 – children’s day. Participation is effective when the teachers are able to bring the girls for the event. The event is expected to include a seminar, a quiz competition and knowledge sharing with foremost national female ICT professionals. Winners will be presented with gifts.


The digital gender gap is a reality in the technology sector. The question is: how sustainable in progress in the industry in particular and society in general without the ideas, inputs and contributions of girls and women in ICT? Getting girls interested in technology at an early age is a necessity. Technology is essential for progress and girls need to be part of the process.

International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative backed by ITU Member States and Girls in ICT day events and opportunities are geared towards informing girls about the exciting and world changing opportunities in ICT. Idea generation, quizzes, knowledge sharing and mentoring are typical #GirlsinICT activities. The events will give them insight into why ICT is an attractive career option, and why gender in ICT is a non issue.
NIWIIT, a lead change agent committed to empowering and advancing women in ICT is therefore at the forefront of promoting ICT career opportunities to girls and women and inspiring girls, teachers, and the ICT sector to be more proactive and committed. The industry needs more women.
#GirlsinICT day  is about building interest in technology and careers in ICT among girls. For NIWIIT it is about showing commitment to the next generation.


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