Every year, ITU and partners work together to inspire and encourage girls to pursue a future in ICTs towards bridging the gender digital divide. The aim is to encourage young women and girls to pursue their studies and careers in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and other fields and help them achieve their dreams.

This year, the theme of Girls in ICT Day is ‘Leadership’. The global Girls in ICT Day celebration will be held on 25 April 2024 at the FEU Tech Innovation Center, Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines in coordination and collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Global ITU Celebration – Inter-Generational Dialogue and Mentorship Sessions

• H.E. Ivan John UY, Minister of ICTs, Secretary, DICT
• Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations (Video message)
• Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, BDT Director, ITU
• Gustavo Gonzales, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines

• H.R.H Princess Beatrice (Video address)
• Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, OIC Executive Director, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
• Betty Chung, Acting Mission Director, USAID
• Rosanna Adao, Executive Director, FEU Institute of Technology
• Daisy Wachira, W4.org
• Karenina Yustika, ITU Generation Connect Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy

This session aims to foster an inter-generational dialogue on leadership in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by bringing together girls and women leaders and experts in the ICT sector. The moderator will facilitate discussions by posing the first questions to both girls and women in ICT, allowing for a dynamic exchange of perspectives, contributions, and experiences to other girls and women in ICT as speakers involved. Audience participation through questions is encouraged, enhancing the depth and richness of the dialogue.

This dialogue provides a platform for insights, reflections, and strategies on leadership in ICT, aiming to inspire and empower both current and future generations of girls and women in the ICT sector.

Panelists:

• H.E. Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Namibia
• Alfiah Rizqi Ramdhini, Generation Connect Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy, Indonesia
• Dr Tahani Amer, Aerospace engineer, NASA
• Lys Esther Karikumutima, EAC youth advocate from Burundi
• Sonita Te, Head of Computer Science Department at Institute of Digital Technology (IDT), Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) (Online)
• Agita Pasaribu, Founder and Executive Director of Bullyid Indonesia
• Ava Nadir, Commissioner at the Iraqi Communication and Media Commission (CMC)
• Rosalyn G. Mesina (Lenlen), Country Programme Coordinator, UN Women Philippines

Interactive Session:

• Rury Demsey, ITU

• H.E. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, DICT and DIWA Role Models

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

• Michelle Alarcon, President of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP)
• Sara Venturina, Chief Data Officer, GCash

Blockchain

• Jen Bilango, Country Manager of Coins.ph

Cybersecurity

• Darlene Jardin, Program Officer for Cybersecurity and Strategic Partnership, USAID BEACON
• Ingrid Berona, Chief Risk Officer, Gcash

Digital Careers in the Gig Economy

• Marjorie Aviso, CEO and Founder of Telework PH

Internet of Things (IOT)

• Maria Raisa Helga Ysaac Orbon, Chief Marketing Officer of Packetworx

Robotics

• Mylene Abiva, President and CEO of FELTAMulti-MediaInc. Philippines

Digital Creatives

• Marla Rausch, President of Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP)