MTN-Ghana has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering young girls and women in information, communication, and technology (ICT) as a crucial step towards national development, in partnership with the government.
Speaking at the 2023 National Girls in ICT programme in Tamale, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer (CCSSO) at MTN, highlighted the importance of preparing the youth for a future where digital literacy is essential for success in the job market and for seizing entrepreneurial opportunities. She emphasized, “We in Ghana and indeed on the African continent cannot afford to be left behind, and therefore everyone deserves the benefit of a modern connected life.”
The event, “Girls in ICT, Digital Skills for Life,” was organized by the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation with support from various organizations, including Kofi Annan ICT Centre, GIFEC, National Communication Authority, Advance Information Technology, Ghana Education Service, ATC Ghana, GIZ, and Kodris Africa.
The primary goal was to raise awareness and provide young women and girls with insights into the ICT industry.
Ms. Wiafe also stressed the importance of collaborations between the government and private sector in bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for innovation, education, and information access. “The partnerships between government and the private sector would help bridge the digital divide and create space for innovations that enhance the trajectory for our country by ensuring equal access to education and information,” she said.
The programme included mentorship workshops aimed at inspiring the young girls to consider studies and careers in the growing field of ICT, thereby promoting digital inclusion and gender equity.
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, commended the participants and sponsors for their contributions towards building the future of young girls and women in ICT. She emphasised that promoting ICT and STEM education for females aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Five on gender parity. She also announced plans to implement the initiative nationwide using ICT incubators and mobile laboratories.
Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, encouraged the beneficiaries of the programme to utilize their newly acquired knowledge to build their future careers and urged them to avoid negative influences from peers.
Ms. Wiafe concluded by expressing MTN Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the ‘Girls in ICT’ programme and their determination to strengthen strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and other relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors. She encouraged the young girls to continue upgrading their skills, stating, “If ICT and digital skills are the future of the society in the 21st century, then it is only right that all relevant stakeholders join hands and collaborate in this noble enterprise.”
The event saw some young girls and teachers being awarded laptops, bags, and certificates, with Christiana Awenli Awea from St. Paul’s RC JHS in Tamale Metro receiving the overall recognition.
Through initiatives like this, MTN-Ghana and its partners are making significant strides in empowering the next generation of women leaders in ICT, contributing to the nation’s progress and development.
