The Minister of Communications and Digitization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful launched the Ms. Competition. Geek Ghana 2024, aimed at empowering young women in the ICT sector.
The competition aims to change the mindset of young girls about adopting ICT and equip them with digital skills.
This aligns with the goals of SDG Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
The competition is open to women aged 13 to 21 to submit a technology-based solution that targets fundamental challenges faced in Ghana and Africa as a whole.
The Ministry is committed to highlighting the contribution of women in the field of technology.
In addition, it will give young girls a chance to show off their skills.
However, the Minister of the sector, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, speaking at the event urged stakeholders to support the competition to promote greater participation of girls in the fields of science and technology.
She said the Ministry of Communications and Digitization is making an effort to help change this mindset by providing opportunities for Ghanaian girls to show that it is not all about beauty but also thinking ability, perseverance and focus.
She added that the Initiative aims to bridge the digital gender divide by encouraging and empowering girls and young women to consider studies and careers in the growing ICT sector, allowing both girls and tech companies to reap the benefits of greater female participation in ICT ecosystem.
”The initiative has scaled up since 2017 from a six-monthly celebration to a triennial celebration. Twelve thousand nine hundred and eighty one (12,981) girls and one thousand two hundred (1,200) teachers have been trained. Forty three (43) cyber labs have been constructed for various schools in various districts and 1776 computers have been given to deserving students and teachers. In terms of impact, beneficiaries have acquired new ICT skills, increased interest of girls in pursuing STEM programs, equipping ICT teachers with new skills. Increasing the employable skills of the beneficiaries at the tertiary level,” he added.
Ms. Geek Rwanda was adopted by the Smart Africa Alliance to give it an African feel and was renamed Ms Geek Africa in 2017.
The Smart Africa Alliance has established the Ms. Geek Africa and encouraged its member states to adopt the Initiative.
The competition seeks to encourage young women to develop ICT solutions to solve contemporary socio-economic challenges.
In recent years, girls across the continent have submitted applications for technology-based solutions aimed at solving a specific problem affecting their community.
Selected candidates will participate in a masterclass and then present their solutions to a panel.
In addition to representing Ghana in the Ms. Geek Africa, the winner will also receive cash prizes and business support, among other benefits.
The deadline for applications is 18 July 2024. Those interested can submit their contributions by visiting www.moc.gov.gh or sending an email to msgeek@moc.gov.gh.
-FROM Daniel Bampoe