Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram Constituency, Sam George has emphasized the critical need for increased female participation in the ICT sector.
Speaking at the National Girls-in-ICT Day event organized by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, he highlighted the unique advantages women bring to technology roles.
In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com, Sam George said "Women inherently possess a better attention to detail than men, which makes them excellent coders and programmers. It's essential we continue to support and grow the number of girls entering the sciences and IT,"
He credited the continued governmental support for the growth in female participation in these fields, tracing the origins of the initiative to around 2010.
George Sam expressed optimism about the future of female ICT education, noting the promising advancements under the Oslo administration.
He also highlighted the vision of the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama’s ambitious “One Million Coders” initiative, which aims to significantly boost the country's IT workforce, integrating seamlessly with existing programs to foster a robust talent pipeline.
"President Mahama’s initiative will amplify the efforts of the Ministry of Communication's Girls-in-ICT program, creating a generation of skilled female programmers"
"This integrated approach ensures that we not only develop the necessary skills but also provide opportunities for their application," he added.
Sharing a personal anecdote, George Sam revealed that his four-year-old daughter has already begun learning coding, illustrating the importance of early exposure to technology.
He encouraged parents to nurture their children's interests in ICT, emphasizing the expanding opportunities in the digital job market.
"The future will see more digital job opportunities, from coding to operating and improving AI systems. Parents should let their children explore the digital world. The potential is limitless," he advised.
Background of Girls-in-ICT Project
The Girls-in-ICT initiative, launched by Ghana's Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, aims to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry by encouraging and equipping young girls with essential ICT skills.
Since its inception in 2010, the program has expanded significantly, reaching thousands of girls across the country.
It provides training in various digital skills, including coding, robotics, and data analytics, to prepare them for future careers in the tech industry.
The initiative aligns with global efforts to promote gender equality in technology and empower women through education and skills development.
With continuous support from the government and private sector, the Girls-in-ICT project is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ghana's digital landscape.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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