The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) joined the global chorus in celebrating International Girls in ICT Day on April 25th. The annual initiative, championed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to bridge the digital gender divide and empower young women to pursue careers in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
This year's theme, "Leadership," resonated throughout TDRA's celebration held at their Dubai office. The event, co-organized with the TDRA Youth Council and the Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development Goals, featured a dynamic line-up designed to ignite a passion for technology in young girls.
A panel discussion titled "The Experiences of Inspiring Youth in the ICT Sector" served as a centerpiece. The session brought together prominent female speakers from TDRA alongside representatives from the Etisalat Youth Council and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). These trailblazers shared their personal stories, highlighting the diverse and rewarding career paths available within the ICT landscape.
Beyond individual narratives, the discussion delved into the UAE's commitment to fostering gender equality in the tech sector. Speakers pointed to the country's top ranking in the 2024 United Nations Development Programme's gender equality index, a testament to the nation's progressive policies. Furthermore, data from the Artificial Intelligence Office revealed a remarkable statistic: women now constitute 46% of graduates from the country's Artificial Intelligence program.
The celebration wasn't limited to inspirational talks. Interactive workshops allowed participants to delve into the practical applications of ICT. Young girls had the opportunity to experiment with coding basics, explore the fascinating world of robotics, and gain insights into cybersecurity best practices.
TDRA's Director-General, in his opening address, emphasized the importance of dismantling stereotypes surrounding careers in ICT. He stressed that girls possess the creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience necessary to thrive in this dynamic field. He concluded by calling upon all stakeholders, including educational institutions, industry leaders, and government bodies, to work collaboratively to create a more inclusive ICT ecosystem.
The TDRA's Girls in ICT Day celebration served as a powerful reminder of the immense potential young women hold within the ever-evolving world of technology. By fostering an environment that celebrates female leadership and provides access to essential skills and knowledge, initiatives like this pave the way for a more equitable and innovative future for the ICT sector.