There is an undeniable and yawning gender gap in the world of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). On the International Girls in ICT Day, we seek to bridge this digital divide by encouraging girls and young women to study and pursue careers in the ICT sector. This year’s theme, “Connected Girls, Creating Brighter Futures” underscores the critical relationship between technology, sustainability and progress.
According to UN Women, 65 per cent of children entering primary school today will have jobs that do not yet exist. Equipping girls with skills in coding, app development, computer science and other ICT competencies ensures their future professional and economic independence, as well as empowers them to become drivers of innovation and transformation. Male-dominated ICT fields also stand to benefit from the fresh, unique perspectives and experiences of women, who make up 50% of the global population but comprise just 30% of scientific and technological researchers.
With a skills shortfall of over two million jobs in the ICT sector within the next five years being estimated by The United Nations International Telecommunication Union, it is imperative that girls and women have the opportunities and training they need to fill those vital positions. The outdated stereotypes, unfair biases and lack of opportunities which are obstacles against their participation in the ICT arena must be tackled at the individual, community and national levels. I salute the many local and regional initiatives for their efforts over the years to break these barriers, including Caribbean Girls Hack 2019, the champions of which I had the pleasure of meeting, and the recent Tech4Girls event held by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.
In this increasingly digital age, girls and women must be able to see technology and innovation as achievable and viable career paths. The integration of ICTs in everyday life, enhancing and transforming the way we do business, learn, interact and stay informed is becoming all the more important, especially in the era of Covid-19. I encourage all girls and women to join the technological march forward so that they, the tech industry and the nation can realise their full potential.
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It was the turn of East Mucurapo Secondary School to tour President's House on Tuesday.
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Two Presentation of Credentials Ceremonies took place at President's House yesterday.First, Her Excellency Theodora-Magdalena Mircea, Ambassador of Romania then His Excellency Gustavo Daniel Véliz Olivares Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Gilda Lopez Mestre, Minister Counsellor and Mrs. Leydis Bernal, Counsellor, presented their Letters of Credence to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.Her Excellency welcomed the Ambassadors to Trinidad and Tobago and wished them both every success in their new posts.
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Tours of President's House are available to groups and the Arima Retirees Fitness and Wellness Club took the opportunity to visit us recently.
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This group of Fatima College students toured President's House last week.
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Schools from around the country continue to visit President's House. Here are some pictorial highlights from a recent tour by Biche RC Primary.
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