PURPOSE: The International Girls in ICT Day aims to inspire a global movement to increase the representation of girls and women in technology. Today, let's recommit to the goal of equal access for young women and girls to opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. The main goal of Girls in ICT is to cultivate the presence and digital skills of young women and girls [aged 12-24] in the career field of STEM, particularly ICT.

FORUM: “LEADERSHIPS.” International Girls in ICT Day 2024. This year and every year, ITU and partners work together to inspire and encourage girls to pursue a future in ICT’s towards bridging the gender digital divide. The aim is to encourage young women and girls to pursue their studies and careers in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and other fields and help them achieve their dreams. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #STEM, #DigitalSkills, #ICT #GirlinICT, #ICTs, #DigitalTransformation, #GirlInICTDay.

EVENTS: on April 25th around 12:00-13:00 pm (EST),The event to mak the Girls in ICT Day 2024 entitled ‘Leadership’.will be celebrated. This year the global ITU celebration will be held in the Philippines and kindly hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). During the day, participants will be able to listen to the most inspiring speeches and messages made by the world leaders in order to motivate future women in tech; The global celebration will include a series of events that will address different topics related to Digital Skills i.e., role models, education, mentorship, and youth participation. The events build onto the various initiatives of the ITU that not only seek to achieve digital gender equality but also would address the importance of education and connectivity. Explore the Girls in ICT Day 2024 Programme and watch the celebration!

STATEMENTS: “In 2024, International Girls in ICT Day will be celebrated on 25 April. This year’s theme for the Girls in ICT day celebrations is “Leadership“, to underscore the critical need for strong female role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.” Statement by the ITU DBT Director-General on International Day of Girls in ICT 2024; April 25 th.

PUBLICATION: Exploring the Opportunities and Challenges of ICT-Mediated Food Sharing in Japan. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been identified as potential enablers for alternative forms of sharing surplus food to prevent food loss and waste. Food sharing platforms can also provide an entry point to the sustainability transition by encouraging its users to confront the systemic causes of unsustainable and inequitable food systems. The paper explores the opportunities and challenges of ICT-mediated food sharing platforms in Japan. A comparative case study of 10 food sharing platforms operating in Japan was drawn from a web content analysis and semi-structured interviews. A consumer-side analysis was conducted, based on a Japan-wide survey of 10,000 respondents, to understand consumers’ general attitudes towards ICT-mediated food sharing and identify key challenges and drivers for its expansion. This paper provides initial contributions to understanding the Japanese experience of ICT-mediated food sharing from both the supply and consumption sides. All investigated food sharing platforms embedded food waste reduction and sustainable objectives in their mission. However, a consumer-side survey suggests that participation in food sharing was mainly driven by price consciousness and convenience orientation. Distrust towards the safety of redistributed food and reluctance to engage in a sharing community were some of the main barriers identified to food sharing. Highlighting convergences and divergences between platforms and consumers was key to starting developing intervention designs towards expanding online food sharing and leading consumers’ behaviour change. Read the full publication!

PODCASTS: How to inspire more girls to explore STEM careers?. Girls in ICT Day is now a global movement, with ITU partners and other organizations conducting their own events and celebrations on the Girls in ICT Day and throughout the year. Listen to the audio-podcasts!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: We’re building a #GirlsinICT collection of encouraging and inspiring statements from role models in tech and STEM. So if you need a a little bit of encouragement to help you see your future potential, please check back regularly. Get the campaign material or the Social Media Pack !