International Girls in ICT Day

International Girls in ICT Day History

International Girls in ICT Day is dedicated to encouraging and inspiring young women to consider careers in the realm of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Recognized by the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this day also aims to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of ICTs. It bridges the digital gender divide by equipping girls with the skills needed to secure suitable jobs while also improving their understanding and use of these technologies.

The observance of International Girls in ICT Day, which was first instituted in 2010 by the ITU, holds significant relevance in India where gender disparity in technology-related professions remains a pressing concern. The country is home to one of the world's largest technology workforces, yet women constitute just about 34% of this sector. The disparity is linked to factors such as socio-cultural norms, lack of awareness and access, and gender bias. Thus, this Day focuses on tackling these issues by fostering an interest in ICT among Indian girls and creating a supportive network for those who aspire to make a career in the field.

In India, International Girls in ICT Day is observed with numerous activities and events organised by government entities, schools, universities, and ICT companies to encourage girls to engage with technology and consider it as a viable career option. This includes webinars, workshops, coding boot camps, tech talk sessions, exhibitions, and competitions. It also involves engagement programs with successful women in ICT to inspire and mentor young girls. International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday in April, making it a compelling beacon for progress and gender equality in India's fervently burgeoning ICT sector.

Top 7 Facts for 2026 International Girls in ICT Day in India

• The 2026 global observance of International Girls in ICT Day is centered on the official theme AI for Development: Girls Shaping the digital future, which emphasizes moving young women from being passive users of technology to active leaders in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
• Within the Indian context, high-profile initiatives like AI by HER, advocated by NITI Aayog leaders, are gaining significant attention for promoting gender-inclusive AI governance and ethical technology adoption in education.
• A key point of discussion for the upcoming observance is that women currently make up approximately 32% of India’s technology workforce, highlighting a critical gap that national programs aim to bridge through targeted digital literacy and STEM education in rural schools.
• Major industry-led platforms have launched campaigns such as She Builds the Future: Power, Presence & Progress, which features a specific focus on preparing Indian women for "AI-ready" careers through leadership summits and virtual mentorship programs.
• The Indian ICT Women Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 recently recognized the "Top 50 Women Leaders in ICT," setting a benchmark for the next generation of girls to aspire toward roles in high-growth sectors like SaaS, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
• Emerging role models like Debjani Ghosh and Roshni Nadar Malhotra are being highlighted as central figures in India’s digital transformation, serving as key inspirations for young students participating in nationwide coding boot camps and robotics workshops.
• Educational institutions are increasingly adopting hands-on learning models through tinkering labs in government schools to introduce girls to robotics and electronics as part of the broader Inclusive Digital Transformation goal.

In the News and Trending in India for International Girls in ICT Day

Top things to do in India for International Girls in ICT Day

• Discover events around you. The International Telecommunication Union hosts events around the world so be sure to check for any upcoming ones.
• Listen to a podcast with the founder of the Women in Science International League Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite.
• Watch a Documentary to learn more about Girls in ICT in India
  1) Girls Rising - This film includes the story of an Indian girl facing obstacles in getting an education. The documentary emphasizes the importance of ICT in empowering girls.
  2) Period. End of Sentence- This Oscar-winning documentary focuses on women's health in India and how technology has helped them.
• Attend Workshops/Seminars: Many schools, universities, and organizations organize ICT workshops and seminars, providing opportunities for girls to grasp the knowledge of various technologies, coding, digital marketing, big data, etc.