On 24 April 2025, Namibia commemorated International Girls in ICT Day with a national call to action aimed at bridging the gender gap in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. The event, held in the capital Windhoek, underscored the country’s commitment to fostering an inclusive digital economy, with a particular emphasis on empowering girls and young women to engage meaningfully with technological careers.
Delivering the keynote address, Emilia Nghikembua, Chief Executive Officer of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation.” According to Nghikembua, the theme reflects a broader societal imperative: creating an equitable technological landscape where every girl, irrespective of socio-economic status or geographic location, is afforded the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the digital age.
Despite the increasing relevance of ICT across all sectors, global statistics continue to reveal significant gender disparities. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), women comprise less than one-third of the global ICT workforce—a gap that is even more pronounced in countries like Namibia, where cultural norms and systemic inequalities persist.
Nghikembua pointed to several barriers that impede girls’ engagement in the ICT sector, including limited access to digital resources, gendered stereotypes about technological proficiency, and a scarcity of female role models within the field. She asserted that the prevailing narrative needs to evolve, noting: “We want our girls to see themselves not only as consumers of technology but as innovators, creators, and leaders.”
The Windhoek event assembled students, educators, government officials, and private sector leaders for a dynamic dialogue that sought to bridge generational and institutional divides. Central to the proceedings was a panel discussion designed to encourage open exchange between aspiring female technologists and established industry professionals.
CRAN announced that it would leverage its broad communication channels to amplify the event’s message. As part of this effort, specially designed educational materials and digital posters were circulated across multiple platforms to raise awareness and stimulate discourse on the gender digital divide.
Emphasising the need for coordinated action, Nghikembua called for a multi-stakeholder approach involving public institutions, the private sector, educational entities, and civil society. This collaborative effort, she argued, is vital for nurturing an ecosystem that not only invites but actively supports the participation of girls in digital transformation processes.
Observed annually during the fourth week of April, International Girls in ICT Day serves as a global platform to inspire young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It also functions as a critical forum for challenging entrenched stereotypes that deter female participation in digital fields.
Namibia’s proactive stance this year reflects a growing continental recognition that digital inclusion must be gender-inclusive. Through strategic dialogue, education, and policy, the country aims not only to raise awareness but to cultivate a generation of empowered digital citizens—girls who can shape the technological future of Southern Africa and beyond.
