15 May 2024

The ever-evolving Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector offers endless opportunities for growth, learning and innovation, hence it continues to contribute to economic growth. This was said by Mascom’s Chief Technology and Digital Officer, Ms Lilly Sullivan, at the Girls in ICT Day in Kasane on May 14.

Consequently, Ms Sullivan encouraged young women and girls to pursue studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to attain an inclusive and equitable future.Ms Sullivan said ICT opened doors across many industries because someone with ICT skills could excel in medicine, aviation and mining, among others. She said this year’s theme, Leadership in STEM, underscored the need for strong female role models in STEM and thus urged women already established in ICT roles to persevere to shift perceptions of women capabilities within the industry.

She said women representation in ICT related fields still remained low despite the fact that they filled 40 per cent of high skill occupations globally. “Women are often absent from the highest levels of policymaking and leadership positions within the ICT sector as they tend to find themselves in junior or support roles, with limited opportunities for advancement.

Again, Ms Sullivan encouraged girls to take advantage of free online learning platforms to acquire new skills and enhance their expertise in areas such as coding, robotics, Artificial Intelligence and cyber security, saying the domain also presented endless opportunities for growth. For her part, Kgosi Rebecca Banika of Pandamatenga appreciated women who had made strides in pursuing STEM careers.

Kgosi Banika said it was essential to promote inclusion in ICT sector to break barriers and stereotypes that only men could succeed in STEM careers. She also implored the girls in primary and junior secondary schools as well as out of school in Kasane, Pandamatenga and Kazungula to use the skills acquired during the two-week training for greater good.It is important to embrace ICT as the world is fully moving towards digital transformation to operate and deliver products and services to the people,” she said. Chobe Junior Secondary School learner, Botho Motlhabane, thanked the communications and ICT stakeholders for imparting them with knowledge and skills on ICT.

Motlhabane said she enjoyed discussions on cyber security as experts raised awareness on its threats and how young people could become victims.She said the Girls in ICT training had equipped her with skills to incorporate ICT into her future studies given that she desired to pursue law.