On June 1, 2024, the FEMTECH Africa Foundation, in collaboration with the Digital Transformation Hub and supported by the International Telecommunication Union, launched “The Girls in ICT and Impact Project 2024” at the Kofi Annan ICT Auditorium in Accra.
The theme for this year, “Leadership,” aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of digital technology and problem-solving skills among young girls, encouraging them to pursue careers in ICT.
The event highlighted the opportunities in e-jobs for girls in ICT, showing how they can leverage their talents to become entrepreneurs and create jobs, thus positively impacting society. The project also aimed to equip young girls with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the digital age, underscoring the belief that each girl has the potential to become a leader in the tech world.
The FEMTECH Africa Foundation provided training and mentorship for 300 girls across the Greater Accra, Volta, and Oti regions. The training covered ICT, E-sports, STEM, AI, and Robotics through workshops, mentorship programs, and inter-school competitions. Topics included leadership in the digital era, inspiring young girls to pursue studies and careers in various science disciplines and addressing the gender digital gap.
H.E. Amb Dr. Rejoice W. Foli, CEO of FEMTECH Africa Foundation, encouraged the participants to continuously upgrade their skills and focus on impact and value addition. She emphasized the importance of setting SMART goals based on their capabilities and inspired the girls to step out of their comfort zones to venture into emerging ICT fields with a sustainability mindset.
This initiative aligns with global efforts to bridge the digital gender divide and empower young women in ICT. It reflects similar programs like the African Girls Can Code Initiative, supported by UN Women and Siemens, which provides extensive training and mentorship to young women across Africa.