More than 160 girls and their teachers from 30 secondary schools around Honiara celebrated International Girls in ICT Day at Heritage Park Hotel on 25 April. Organised by Women in IT Solomon Islands, the event encourages girls to pursue careers in ICT. Participating students from Naha High School said, “It’s our first time being exposed to ICT like in this event. We had planned to pursue careers in medicine and law but are interested in what ICT can offer”.
This year’s theme is ‘Leadership’, highlighting the critical need for strong female leaders and role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. WITSI President, Alice Aote’e, who is also the President of the IT Society Solomon Islands, says they want to see more women and girls involved in the ICT sector in Solomon Islands. Speaking to the girls, she said, “ICT is entrenched in every aspect of our lives so whatever career you take, you will use some form of technology. We want to encourage Solomon Islands girls and young women to consider ICT as a career of choice because we want you to benefit from the opportunities it offers, and for you to contribute to Solomon Islands’ economy”.
The Governments of Solomon Islands and Australia and some private sector partners funded the event. Speaking at the event, Australian High Commission’s Minister Counsellor, Lindsay Buckingham, said, “Solomon Islands and Australia have a strong and enduring partnership in addressing gender equality in Solomon Islands. We know that when women and girls are involved in ICT everyone benefits, our families benefit, our countries benefit. Including girls and women in ICT leads to more diversity and technological innovations to solving some of the world’s greatest problems”.
The girls spent the day engaging in interactive AI activities, exploring different areas of ICT, and engaged in learning and conversations with several women leaders in IT in Solomon Islands.
