Minister for Communications, Ursula Owusu Ekuful has urged young girls to prove their worth and correct stereotypical mindsets that limits their participation and career development in the IT sector. The minister opines that girls and women are more capable of making a difference in the IT industry when given the needed push.
Speaking at the 2nd edition of 2019 Girls in ICT Day in the central region, Madam Owusu Ekuful noted that the era of male dominance in Information Technology disciplines is gradually taking on downturn, as much space is being created for women and girls to explore their fullest potential.
“Everybody says that girls and technology don’t mix, our role is in the kitchen and its the boys that play with gadgets. So we want to break that myth and live what we’ve all been saying that what boys can do girls can do better’ she said.
Madam Owusu Ekuful shared that it’s motivating to have young Ghanaian women champion the change in ensuring gender balance in the digital space. She said the current generation has been exposed to greater opportunities to advance in the IT sector, and that urged the girls to challenge themselves to make the best of it.
“You have more opportunities than I had. if you say you cant do it, you cant do it. If you outline yourself and you work hard, you will achieve it” she entreated the girls.
Madam Owusu Ekuful noted that impact resulting from the initiative is tremendous.
A total of 980 students from 14 District participated in this event, held at the University of Cape Coast, Central Region. The Girls in ICT Day was on the theme “Expanding Horizons; Change attitudes”, and is being championed by the Ministry of Communications in collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union.
Story: Portia Cudjoe/Skyy News