International Girls in ICT Day

International Girls in ICT Day is observed annually on the fourth Thursday of April. In 2026, it falls on April 23. The day is a global initiative aimed at encouraging girls and young women to consider studies and careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICT). It serves as a reminder of the digital gender gap and the importance of empowering women to become creators, not just consumers, of technology.

See also: International Girls Day, National Girls and Women in Sports Day, International Day of Women and Girls in Science

History of International Girls in ICT Day

The day was established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations, following the adoption of Resolution 70 at the 2010 Plenipotentiary Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico. The goal was to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to prepare for and take up careers in ICT. Since the first official celebration in 2011, the movement has grown significantly. ¹

By 2026, the initiative has reached hundreds of thousands of girls in over 170 countries. Each year, the ITU organizes a global celebration in a different host city, while thousands of independent events are held by governments, schools, and tech companies worldwide. The day has evolved from simple awareness to a major platform for policy discussion and hands-on skill development, addressing barriers such as stereotypes and the lack of female role models in STEM.

Why is International Girls in ICT Day important?

The day is vital because it addresses the persistent gender imbalance in the technology sector. Despite the rapid growth of the digital economy, women remain underrepresented in high-tech jobs, leadership roles, and technical fields like software engineering and AI. By focusing on young girls, the day aims to spark interest before gender stereotypes can discourage them from pursuing technical paths. It highlights that a diverse workforce leads to more innovative solutions that serve the entire population.

Economically, the day emphasizes that the “jobs of the future” are increasingly digital. Ensuring that girls have the skills to participate in the ICT sector is essential for national economic growth and for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to gender equality. The observance provides a space for girls to see that tech is a field for creativity and problem-solving, rather than just a solitary or “math-heavy” pursuit.

• Theme for 2026: “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future.”
• Over 11,000 celebrations have been held globally since the day’s inception.
• The day promotes the idea that tech careers are diverse, ranging from coding to digital design.
• It encourages mentors to share their stories to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
• The observance helps bridge the “digital divide” in developing regions.

How to Celebrate International Girls in ICT Day

Celebrations typically focus on hands-on experience. Many ICT companies and universities host “Open Days,” where girls can tour facilities, see live demonstrations of emerging tech, and speak directly with female engineers. Workshops on coding, robotics, app development, and artificial intelligence are popular activities that allow girls to “learn by doing.” These events are designed to be fun and collaborative, stripping away the intimidation factor often associated with technical subjects.

For those looking to participate on a smaller scale, mentoring is a powerful way to observe the day. A professional woman in tech might spend an hour speaking to a local classroom or offering a “shadowing day” to a high school student. Social media campaigns often use the day to highlight “Women in Tech” history or share success stories of young female innovators. The goal of any celebration is to provide girls with the confidence and resources to say, “I can do this, too.”

• Organize a “Code-a-thon” or a simple app-building workshop for local students.
• Host a panel discussion featuring women who work in different areas of technology.
• Donate old laptops or tech equipment to schools to support girls’ digital literacy.
• Share a video or blog post about a woman in history who pioneered a tech discovery.
• Use the official ITU toolkit to plan and register a local community event.

International Girls in ICT Day Dates Table

1. https://www.itu.int/women-and-girls/girls-in-ict/international-girls-in-ict-day-2026/overview/[↩]