International Girls in ICT Day

International Girls in ICT Day History

International Girls in ICT Day is dedicated to encouraging more young women to consider careers in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The ethos of this day acknowledges the role of ICT in enhancing gender equality and aims to challenge the stereotype that ICT is a male-dominated profession. It seeks to inspire a new generation of girls and young women to consider a future in the expanding field of ICT, where their input is crucial.

International Girls in ICT Day was first celebrated in 2011 and has since gained recognition worldwide. In the UK, this day holds particular significance, given the nation's commitment to bridging the gender gap in all sectors, including technology. The United Kingdom actively works to increase the participation of women in the advancement of technology. This recognition is pivotal, as women make up only 17% of the tech workforce in the UK, with a mere 35% of women in higher education studying STEM subjects. Therefore, celebrating this day means promoting gender diversity in an industry that is vital for the country's growth.

In the UK, International Girls in ICT Day is typically marked with various activities aimed at encouraging young girls to consider a career in ICT. Schools, universities and companies across the country organise workshops, seminars, and training sessions. They provide valuable insights into the potential opportunities and experiences within the ICT sector. To add, notable women working in the field of ICT often share their experiences and advise emerging aspirants. International Girls in ICT Day is observed annually on the fourth Thursday in April, helping to breaking down barriers and driving the transformative power of female involvement in the UK's technology industry.

Top 7 Facts for 2026 International Girls in ICT Day in the UK

• The official global theme for the 2026 observance is AI for Development: Girls Shaping the digital future, which highlights the urgent need to involve young women in the creation and governance of artificial intelligence to prevent gender bias in emerging technologies.
• In the United Kingdom, the newly formed Women in Tech Taskforce, co-led by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and Stemettes founder Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, is working to address the fact that the UK economy loses up to £3.5 billion annually due to women leaving the technology sector.
• Recent educational data indicates a positive shift in the British talent pipeline, with a record 6,310 women starting computing degrees at UK universities in 2024, the highest number ever recorded and a significant step toward closing the persistent gender gap.
• The UK government has prioritised the TechFirst Skills Programme to ensure that essential digital and AI skills are integrated into the national curriculum, specifically targeting the barriers that prevent girls from choosing Computer Science at the GCSE and A-Level stages.
• While representation is improving, women still only account for approximately 25% of the total STEM workforce in the UK, a disparity that initiatives like the Regional Tech Booster aim to rectify by providing localised support and mentorship for young female innovators.
• Organizations such as Code First Girls and Coding Black Females are expected to play a central role in the 2026 celebrations by hosting nationwide events that connect students with industry leaders from BT Group and other major British tech firms.
• The 2026 global festivities will be co-hosted by the Europe and Americas regions, featuring a high-tech live link between Tirana and Brasília to showcase how international cooperation can foster an inclusive digital transformation for girls across the globe.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Watch a Documentary to learn more about Girls in ICT in United Kingdom:
  She Started It (2016): A documentary that chronicles the ups and downs of women tech entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Europe, including some from the UK.
• Attend Seminars and Guest Speaker Sessions: Successful women in the field of ICT are often invited to give talks, provide inspiration, and share their experiences and advice.