International Girls in ICT Day

International Girls in ICT Day History

International Girls in ICT Day aims to encourage and empower girls and young women to consider studies and careers in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT). This global initiative is key to introducing girls to the prospects of technology-related fields and highlighting the importance and relevance of digital literacy, especially amongst girls who may face barriers due to gender stereotypes or lack of opportunities.

International Girls in ICT Day traces its history back to 2010 when the ITU established it with the goal of promoting gender equality in the ICT sector. The significant connection to Canadians lies with the acknowledgement that diversity is central to innovation. In Canada, despite women representing more than half of the population, they make up less than 25% of those employed in the tech sector. The observance of International Girls in ICT Day attempts to bring about change in this gender imbalance, emphasizing that inclusivity in technology and the digital world is pivotal for Canada's aim to lead the global stage in tech advancements.

In Canada, numerous initiatives take place across the country to engage girls in ICT. Schools, non-profit organizations, and tech companies often host workshops, lectures, and mentoring sessions to inspire and educate girls about the myriad of career opportunities in the ICT sector. Exhibitions and demonstrations of recent ICT advancements also take place. International Girls in ICT Day is generally celebrated on the fourth Thursday in April each year, highlighting Canada's innovative potential and technological progress.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Girls in ICT Day in Canada

• The 2026 observance of International Girls in ICT Day centers on the theme AI for Development: Girls Shaping the digital future, reflecting a global urgency to integrate young women into the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
• While Canada is a global leader in artificial intelligence research, recent data indicates a significant "confidence gap" in the domestic workforce, where only 43 percent of women report using AI tools daily compared to 58 percent of men.
• In Canada, women account for approximately 25 percent of the overall information and communications technology workforce, but their representation among AI inventors is even more striking, at only 12.5 percent.
• The Information and Communications Technology Council of Canada has launched the 2026 Digital Youth Ambassadors Program to empower 13 young leaders from across the country to influence national policies on digital skills and inclusive economic growth.
• To combat digital exclusion, Microsoft Canada has partnered with Actua—the country's largest STEM youth outreach network—to advance the AI Ready program, which aims to provide AI literacy to 500,000 young Canadians.
• A major point of interest for Canadian entrepreneurs is the Women in Technology Venture Fund managed by BDC Capital, which remains one of the world's largest venture funds dedicated specifically to supporting female-led tech companies.
• The global celebration for 2026 will feature a unique high-tech live link between Tirana, Albania, and Brasília, Brazil, showcasing real-time digital collaboration across the Europe and Americas regions.
• Federal initiatives like the Digital Skills for Youth program and the Student Work Placement Program are prioritizing wage subsidies and $4,000 upskilling bursaries to help female post-secondary graduates transition into high-demand tech roles.
• Experts warn that without increased participation from women in STEM, Canada faces a potential "productivity divide" where the lack of diverse perspectives in AI design could lead to biased technologies and narrowed innovation.
• This year’s focus on AI for Development aligns with broader G7 goals to establish a goal of 30 percent female representation in executive and board positions within the technology sector by 2028.

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

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• What are some good movies or Documentaries to watch about Girls in ICT in Canada?
  1) Silicon Valley’s Gender Gap – This CNBC documentary includes some information about Canadian efforts to attract more women to the ICT sector.
  2) Sisters in Sweat – While this isn't strictly about girls in ICT, it does feature a roster of successful women sharing their own personal stories to inspire the next generation. It's a great resource for girls looking for inspiration in any sector.
• Engage with organizations like Girl Geek Academy or DigiGirlz by Microsoft which runs ICT programs for girls and may hold special events on International Girls in ICT Day.