NICTA encourages more women participation in ICT

BY ANGELA VAVAR

PORT MORESBY: THE National Information Communication and Technology Authority has taken the lead to encourage and empower girls and young women to consider careers in the field of ICT.
NICTA Chief Executive Officer Kila Goru-Vui said this is so because a quick observation of today’s ICT world reveals that
there still a greater number of men that pursue careers in ICT than women.
“There is a disparity in boys and girls pursuing careers in Information and Technology that needs to be improved and we have created a pathway under the NICTA and ICT sector for enable that,” he said.
This he stated as part of the International girls in ICT day, held yesterday in Port Moresby. The event is an initiative of the ITU launched through the United Nations to promote gender equality in career opportunities in the ICT sector. The day is observed on every fourth Thursday of April every year.
“NICTA has long recognized the transformative impact of empowering young women and girls to pursue careers in technology. Through its Girls in ICT (GICT) program, it has championed initiatives that inspire encourage and open doors for young women to thrive in ICT related fields.
“This program features fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and degree programs for girls who want to pursue careers in ICT and STEM,” he said.
Since its inception in 2016, the NICTA girls in ICT tertiary scholarships provides a pathway for girls in technology, touching lives and making a huge difference in lives of those who have benefitted from the program,” he said.
Goru-Vui also announced NICTA’s Graduate Development Program which will be recruiting young graduates.
“This program is designed to equip graduates with essential skills and practical experience in ICT and providing an opportunity to contribute to a more diverse workforce that drives innovation and growth,” he said.