Microsoft event inspires young women to pursue tech careers, break stereotypes
Botswana, Tuesday 10th May, 2016…Over 100 high school students from Francistown have benefited from the DigiGirlz tech camp, an initiative by Microsoft and Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) aimed at inspiring more girls to pursue tech careers and break stereotypes.
Microsoft and BIH hope that the event will act as a platform to significantly increase the number of young women involved in technology-focused careers, and to set an example for other corporations to pursue avenues of inclusion in the workplace.
DigiGirlz is part of the global Microsoft YouthSpark program that gives high school girls the opportunity to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees and partners, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops.
Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) works to dispel gender stereotypes of careers in the high-tech industry.
The DigiGirlz event was hosted by Botho University- Francistown as part of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Girls in ICT Day, whose theme was Expanding Horizons, Changing attitudes.
The program seeks to empower young people with access to technology and a better education, inspire young people to imagine the opportunities they have to realize their potential, and help young people find a job or start their own business.
In her keynote address, Mayor of Francistown, Her Worship Sylvia Muzila, encouraged the girls to stay active in Math and Science programs and to pursue courses in technology related fields, to boost the contribution of women in national development.
“As citizens of Francistown we are proud to host this year’s event and we hope that through this initiative by Microsoft and Botswana Innovation Hub, the girls will be motivated to not only take up careers in the ICT sector in a futuristic approach; but also use the skills gained from the hands on training and mentorship sessions in creating solutions that can solve the problems in their immediate society and environment using technology,” said Muzila.
Microsoft’s Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs Manager in East and Southern Africa, Mr. Alex Nyingi said the DigiGirlz tech camp will help bridge gender disparities in performance in math and science by instilling positive attitudes among girls towards the subjects
“Through DigiGirlz Microsoft continues to live up to its’ commitment on bringing up a new generation of innovative women leaders and helping girls change their future through the use of technology,” said Nyingi.
There has been concerns over trends in regards to women’s presence in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, with male students being significantly more likely than female students to be interested in pursuing a college major or careers in STEM.
“While the gender gap in STEM interests has remained relatively steady over the past 20 years, it is now increasing at a significant rate. It is on this background that the DigiGirlz Program runs,” said Nyingi.
