-As Liberia Joins Girls in Tech Day Celebration
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunication (MoPT) in Liberia has taken proactive steps to champion female representation in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, as well as in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The campaign initiated by MoPT gained momentum over the weekend as Liberia participated in the international celebration of Girls in ICT Day. Under the themed event ‘Leadership,’ the Ministry hosted a gathering at its conference room, welcoming numerous female students from universities and high schools. The event featured compelling speeches and motivational statements aimed at inspiring and empowering the attendees.
The Girls in ICT Day initiative embodies the core values of empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity, with a specific focus on narrowing the gender gap within the ICT sector. Ms. Regina Sackoe, a representative from the Liberia Information Technology Student Union (LITSU) and an ICT student, underscored the pivotal role ICT plays in shaping our rapidly evolving digital landscape.
She urged every Liberian to embrace this journey, to question the existing norms, and to become the catalysts for change that the ICT industry so desperately requires while appealing that all should champion the cause of gender equality in technology and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future.
According to her, despite its transformative potential, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in this industry. She adds that the Girls in ICT program strives to challenge this inequality by inspiring and equipping young women with the necessary skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in the tech field.
‘’Through mentorship, workshops, and practical training, this program not only nurtures technical expertise but also fosters leadership qualities and an entrepreneurial mindset among its participants. By empowering girls and women in ICT, we not only unlock their potential but also drive innovation, promote diversity, and construct a more inclusive digital future for all,’’ Ms. Sackoe pointed out.
Delivering a special statement on behalf of the Minister of Post and Telecommunication, Mr. Sekou Konneh, Deputy Minister for Technical Services, Mr. Mohammed Massaley urged the females to take on leadership and be responsible and embrace participation in technology.
According to him, the government of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai prioritizes and takes youth involvement and development in technology very seriously that why he commits his government to develop the capacity of ten thousand youth in ICT.
He assured that going forward, they will continue to lead a robust campaign for the full participation of females in ICT, saying that technology is the major tool countries using now to change policy and economy.
‘’We from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication are committed to this vision and policy by the president. Girls have the capacity as boys to take control of the ICT sector. The Ministry of Post is ready and willing to provide mentorship, training, internship as well as job opportunities for females who want to enter this field. Our doors are open and we encourage all females to take on the challenge and take leadership,” he concluded.
