Soroptimist International | National Association of Clubs of Trinidad & Tobago | Best for Women - Improving the lives of women and girls everywhere

 

Ref.: BDT/IEE/SIS/DM/175

Geneva, 28   March 2012

   
Ms Regenie F.Ch. Fräser
Secretary General
Caribbean   Association of National  Telecommunication  Organizations
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago
rfraser@canto.org

As you are aware, ITU Plenipotentiary Resolution 70 (Guadalajara, 2010) promotes the celebration of international “Girls in ICT” days on the fourth Thursday of each April and the creation of the Global Network of Women ICT Decision Makers (WITNET).  Accordingly, ITU and the Ministry of Culture, Media and Information Society of the Republic of Serbia, which chairs WITNET, have developed a project to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to enter or further their careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICTs).  The project partners are currently working with over 45 entities that are planning to hold national and local events on 26 April 2012, while seeking to encourage more national events.  The project also provides related programs and guidelines through the ITU Girls in ICT Portal (www.girlsinict.org) and WITNET resources (www.witnet.org).

Ensuring that more women enter the ICT sector is good for industry, national development and women’s empowerment.  The ICT sector remains a growing sector for employment with an estimated global shortfall of over two million skilled ICT professionals. At the same time, the ICT sector underpins national and international development. Nevertheless, there is often a lack of awareness among girls, young women, teachers and parents on the opportunities presented by a career in the ICT sector or the means to ensure that women and girls can receive the required education and skills.  Industry needs skilled ICT staff to respond to consumer demand; governments need a labor force with the skills for tomorrow’s Information Society; and women benefit by being lifted out of poverty into fulfilling mid and high-level careers.

ITU stands ready to expand the Girls in ICT initiative to ensure that women and young girls are attracted to the ICT sector and trained with the necessary skills to respond to these needs.  Please help us to help you achieve your national development and business goals by contributing either in-kind or financially to the Global Girls in ICT Day Project.  Please contact Ms. Susan Schorr, Head, Special Initiatives Division at +41 22 730 5638 or susan.schorr@itu.int for more details on how to channel your contributions to this project.

Kindly note that in line with the ITU Secretary General’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTSID) letter and Call for Action on “Women and Girls in ICT”, sent on 9 January 2012 (Ref: Circular Letter/SPM/CPP/71), encouraging all ITU Member States and Sector Members to organize a national or local Girls in ICT event on 26 April 2012, the BDT will organize a follow-up event during the WSIS Forum in Geneva.  Selected countries that organize successful events this April will be invited to showcase their activities. Those Members wishing to showcase their celebration of the International Girls in ICT Day are welcome to send their proposals by e-mail to girlsinict@itu.int.