Girls in ICT Day: The Gender Gap in Tech Is Still Too Wide

Why Representation, Access & Mentorship Matter in STEM 💻✨

Every year, Girls in ICT Day reminds us that we can’t just wait for the next generation of women in tech—we have to build the pipeline now. Despite real progress, girls—especially those from underserved communities—remain vastly underrepresented in STEM and digital careers. This year's celebration is April 25 - this Friday.

Fields like computer science, data analytics, and cybersecurity are growing fast—but so is the gender gap within them. And the biggest missed opportunity? It starts long before graduation.

By the time high school hits, too many girls have already ruled tech out—not because they aren’t capable, but because they haven’t been invited in. Course choices, confidence gaps, and cultural messages start early. That’s why exposure to tech, coding, and digital literacy in elementary and middle school is absolutely essential.

Why the Digital Gender Gap Matters

Right now:

• Women hold less than 30% of tech roles globally

• Girls are less likely to be encouraged to pursue coding, robotics, or game design

• Access to tech tools still varies greatly by zip code, race, and income

But here’s the encouraging part: When girls are given the tools, support, and encouragement to explore these fields—they thrive.

The Power of Early Exposure

Introducing girls to technology early helps them:

• Build confidence in using digital tools

• See problem-solving and coding as creative, collaborative, and fun

• Connect tech to their own interests—like fashion, music, social justice, or sportsVisualize a future where they’re not just users of technology, but leaders, creators, and innovators

Real Skills, Real Impact

We’ve personally

seen the transformation firsthand. Girls light up when they:

• Build a digital resume or personal website

• Use real-world financial apps to budget for their goals

• Explore careers like software engineering, digital marketing, or UX design

• Hear from women in tech who look like them, lead like them, and inspire them

“I thought coding was for guys who love math. Then I built something of my own and realized—this could actually be my future.”

— Student, Age 15

What Makes the Difference?

It’s not just about access—it’s about how we create space for girls to thrive. What works:

• Mentorship & role models – Girls need to see women leading in tech

• Hands-on experiences – Let them create, build, and problem-solve—not just observe

• Inclusive learning spaces – Free of judgment, full of curiosity and community

• Equity in access – Laptops, Wi-Fi, and adult support shouldn’t be a barrier to potential

Final Thought: Lead the Way

On Girls in ICT Day, let’s move beyond awareness and into action. Let’s make sure girls aren’t just invited into the world of tech—they’re prepared to lead it.

At Confident Futures, we’re proud to walk alongside students as they build their digital confidence, explore career pathways, and step boldly into spaces where they’ve historically been left out.

Because girls don’t need permission to belong in tech—they need opportunity, access, and belief.

And when we invest in closing the gap, we open doors to a more creative, inclusive, and powerful future for everyone.