Hackathon 2023: Collaborating to Empower Girls in ICT
Over 40 girls and boys gathered recently at Purpose Finder Academy in Cape Town to commemorate Girls in ICT Day. The event, which was co-organized by Gender Standing Group and Internet Society Zimbabwe, aimed to inspire young women to pursue employment in the technology industry.
The ceremony began with a welcome speech from the school principal, who emphasized the need of gender diversity in the technological business. At the occasion, two women who have made important contributions to the IT business spoke about their personal experiences, challenges, and successes. The gathering, however, was not confined to the voices of women; young men also took part.
Michael Graaf, one of the facilitators at the Girls in ICT Celebration Event, presented valuable information into Kiwix offline tools and their benefits. Graaf emphasized the value of having access to online content, even in locations where internet availability is limited. Kiwix is a free and open-source software that allows users to download and browse offline copies of web content, according to him.
Graaf underlined that Kiwix can be especially useful in locations where internet connectivity is unstable or prohibitively expensive. Users can obtain essential information without relying on an internet connection by downloading offline copies of web content. This is particularly important in developing nations, where internet connection is frequently limited and data costs are high.Furthermore, Kiwix can be utilized to deliver educational content to places without internet access. Graaf gave instances of how Kiwix has been used to deliver educational content to students in rural locations, allowing them to access textbooks and other learning materials even when internet access is unavailable.
The presentation by Graaf on Kiwix and the advantages of having offline access to online content was eye-opening. He emphasized the importance of internet access and how tools like Kiwix may assist in closing the digital divide. Participants at the event were ecstatic to learn about this technology and its possible applications, especially in locations with restricted internet connection.
Onias Munetsi, a software engineer, spoke passionately about the value of coding skills in today's environment at the Girls in ICT Celebration Event. He emphasized how coding abilities are becoming increasingly valuable in a variety of areas, not just technology. Munetsi emphasized how coding talents may be utilized to automate everyday chores and increase productivity, making them in high demand among businesses. Munetsi also discussed the different IT vocations accessible, such as software development, web development, data science, and cybersecurity. He underlined that the technology field provides many prospects for professional progression and employment security, as well as competitive pay.
Furthermore, Munetsi provided examples of persons who began as coders and progressed to become digital entrepreneurs. He stated that coding abilities are necessary for beginning a tech business since they provide the technical ability needed to develop creative solutions. Munetsi encouraged young girls to learn to code, whether as a means of finding a career or as a means of developing their own tech start-ups. Munetsi's presentation on the value of coding skills and the numerous career paths accessible in the IT business was both instructive and motivating. His views offered participants with useful information that would help them make informed career decisions in the technology business.
Wadzanai Chihombori-Ndlovu, a seasoned internet governance and policy specialist, also spoke at the Girls in ICT Celebration Event. Ndlovu is well-known for encouraging safe online practices and has worked with many females in ICT initiatives.
Ndlovu emphasized the significance of online safety and explained how young people may safeguard themselves and others on the internet throughout her talk. She emphasized the benefits of social media while simultaneously underlining its perils. Ndlovu gave practical advice on how to keep secure online, such as not sharing personal information with strangers and being wary of online scams. Ndlovu's knowledge in internet governance and policy offered participants with a unique perspective on online safety and helped them realize the necessity of being safe online. Her talk was a fantastic addition to the event, and participants appreciated the practical advice and tips she provided.
Lungile and Mark from Yetu, a company that provides corporate technology solutions, also spoke at the event. Lungile spoke about her path and the work she performs at Yetu, highlighting the value of mentorship and her desire to assist young women in the technology field.
The event provided a fantastic chance for young girls to engage with professionals in the technology business, ask questions, and obtain insights into the abilities needed to succeed in the field. The participants participated in group activities in which they designed and built projects together utilizing various technology tools, such as constructing websites, building robots, and producing virtual reality experiences.
In the end, the Girls in ICT Celebration Event was a motivating and educational event that encouraged young girls to pursue their interests in the technology business. The event organizers hope that such events will help bridge the gender gap in the IT industry and encourage more young women to pursue professions in technology. Mrs. Perky Umera's resolve to continue developing IT-related training and education is a positive step toward empowering young women in the technology industry. With events like this, young women may be confident that there is a place for them in the technological business.
