NAKAWA, Uganda — Dr. Aminah Zawedde, permanent secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, on Thursday offered guidance to young girls on how to become future technology leaders. Zawedde also called for increased efforts to bridge the persistent gender gap in the technology sector during International Girls in ICT Day celebrations at the Uganda Institute of Communication and Technology in Nakawa.
In her keynote address at the event, Zawedde commended the establishment of International Girls in ICT Day, emphasizing its crucial role in recognizing the contributions of women in technology and inspiring the next generation of female tech innovators.
Addressing the theme, “Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation now,” Zawedde underscored the vast potential of ICT and encouraged the girls to actively engage with technology, positioning themselves as creators rather than passive users. “As young people, avoid saying you do things ‘just because.’ Instead, do things that build and grow you,” she advised, drawing from her own experiences in the field.
Zawedde highlighted the stark contrast in information access between her generation and the current youth, emphasizing the unprecedented opportunities the internet provides. “You have the chance to be nurtured by the world. A wealth of information from across the globe is available, allowing you to learn and improve yourselves without needing to physically travel there. Seize these opportunities while you are young,” she urged.
Zawedde outlined three key objectives of Girls in ICT Day: to encourage girls to pursue education in STEM fields, to inspire them to develop innovative solutions for their communities, and to foster collaboration among various stakeholders in promoting girls’ involvement in ICT. She used examples like Uber and the local SafeBoda to illustrate how innovative ideas can address real-world challenges. Additionally, she encouraged the girls to identify local problems, such as the time-consuming process of milling posho, and to think creatively about technology-based solutions.
“Our generational assignment is to destroy the stereotype that science is for men. We must bridge the digital divide between #men & #women; #rural and #urban communities and between the privileged & the underserved” Dr. @azawedde – PS – @MoICT_Ug#internationalgirlsinICTday pic.twitter.com/ufchPZfqr4
— Uganda Institute of Information & Comm. – UICT (@UICTug) April 24, 2025
Speaking on inclusivity, Zawedde emphasized that the focus on girls in ICT is intended to counteract existing gender stereotypes that often discourage them from pursuing these fields. “All of us are capable with the will and interest,” she stated.
Zawedde also highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. However, she cautioned the young attendees about the potential dangers of the online world, including cyberbullying and harmful content, urging them to practice vigilance and responsible digital citizenship. She specifically mentioned the issue of cyberbullying in school WhatsApp groups and stressed the importance of maintaining a positive online presence.
In her concluding remarks, Zawedde reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for girls in STEM and ICT, asserting that “the digital age is not just the future; it is the present.” She encouraged the girls to actively participate in the digital world, become innovators, and engage responsibly.
The International Girls in ICT Day celebrations were hosted by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Also speaking at the event, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Tembo called for sustained efforts to close the gender technology gap.
Tembo stressed the urgent need to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM. He highlighted the annual ITU initiative as a vital platform for inspiring greater female participation in key sectors of the global economy.
Tembo cited ITU data indicating that women currently comprise less than 30% of STEM professionals worldwide. He also pointed to the educational disparity, with significantly fewer female students in university-level STEM programs, and the substantial digital divide affecting women’s access to technology.
Schools joining us for the #GirlsInICT Celebrations at the @UICTug :
✅Kitante Hill School
✅Trinity College, Nabbingo
✅Nabisunsa Girls’ S.S
✅Kibuli S.S
✅Our Lady of Good Counsel S.S.S, Gayaza #GirlsInICT #STEM4Girls#DigitalInclusion @MoICT_Ug @azawedde @Educ_SportsUg… pic.twitter.com/JRYSxFfr0d— UCC (@UCC_Official) April 24, 2025
“International Girls in ICT Day is more than just an observance; it is a pressing call to action that demands our collective and sustained commitment,” Tembo stated. He emphasized the UCC’s ongoing support for digital literacy training and mentorship programs aimed at empowering girls in STEM.
Tembo referenced a 2020 UCC study that highlighted the link between a lack of digital skills and the widening gender digital divide in Uganda. The study revealed that boys demonstrated greater proficiency in essential online tasks compared to girls.
Tembo detailed the UCC’s nationwide outreach program, which provided hands-on learning opportunities for girls across Uganda, facilitated by Greenbridge School of Technologies. He expressed gratitude to the participating educational institutions.
Tembo also noted the participation of students with disabilities in the outreach program, facilitated by the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund, underscoring the importance of digital accessibility for all.
Tembo concluded by calling for a unified effort involving government, educators, parents, the private sector, and civil society to support girls in tech and science. “We simply cannot afford to build a truly inclusive digital economy — or a just society — if we leave behind half of our population,” Tembo said.
