During CSW67 in 2023, global acknowledgment arose for the necessity of fostering safer online spaces to shield girls from encountering sexist comments, objectification, and discriminatory behaviors. These harmful elements undermine their sense of belonging and credibility within the tech community.
Inspirational initiatives have been kickstarted and warrant duplication and expansion. One such endeavor is the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), a program designed to equip young women aged 17 to 25 with digital literacy, programming skills, and readiness for the workforce. AGCCI's aim is to empower these young women to pursue careers as programmers, coders, and designers in the ICT sector. Spearheaded by the African Union Commission and UN Women, in collaboration with ITU, ECA, UNESCO, and UNICEF, this initiative receives support from the Government of Belgium.
On International Girls in ICT Day, global collaboration is imperative to ensure the meaningful leadership of girls in ICT, embracing their diverse perspectives and advocating for the representation of their concerns. This objective is paramount for all stakeholders, necessitating active listening and ensuring that their influence shapes decisions for a collective digital future.
