The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) celebrated the International Girls in ICT Day- an ITU initiative - under the theme “Digital Skills for Life”. International Girls in ICT Day falls on 25th April of each year and aims to encourage and empower girls and women to choose jobs in the information and communication technology field.
The celebration took place at the Etihad Museum in Dubai in the presence of the sector’s stakeholders. The celebration included many activities that aim to raise awareness among girls about their prospects in the ICT sector, and to encourage them to proceed their academic education in ICT related fields.
Moreover, the celebration included inspiring stories for enabling girls and women and motivating them to work in the ICT sector as one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, by hosting Dr. Hoda Al Khzaimi, Director of the Cybersecurity Center at New York University in Abu Dhabi, and a presentation on the UAE’s hosting of the World Radiocommunication Conference. The UAE's interest in enabling girls in ICT stems from the blessed efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), in providing full support to the enablement and development of the capabilities of Emirati women in all fields.
In this context, Eng. Mohammed Al Ramsi, TDRA Deputy Director General for the Telecommunications Sector, highlighted the support of the UAE leadership for Emirati women to enhance their presence and success in this field, making them a source of inspiration for girls and women around the world.
Al Ramsi said: “The UAE was a pioneer in making women an active partner in the process of building and developing the country, which led to UAE leadership in many global indicators.”
He added: “Today, in the era of digital transformation, the UAE has reached an advanced stage in future shaping based on the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In this, the UAE relies on the minds and efforts of her sons and daughters who work side by side in a great national journey that has inspired the world.”
In our role as the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, we aim to create an environment that enables and encourages girls to consider working in the field of ICT, and to enhance their role in this field. We also aim to raise awareness among girls about the great career prospects in the ICT sector, and the ability to be creative in this field.
The UAE, represented by TDRA, has always been supportive of the ITU efforts in enhancing the ICT sector in developing countries. TDRA has been keen to provide technical support to these countries to help them develop the sector and achieve sustainable development.