Stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector have expressed concern over the continued underrepresentation of women and girls, despite rapid technological advancements.

Speaking at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) campus in Blantyre during the commemoration of International Girls in ICT Day, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Board Member Malla Kawale emphasized the need to close the gender gap in the industry.

The day is observed globally to inspire and encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in ICT.

Kawale cited the 2021 National Education Report, which revealed that female enrollment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs remains below 35 percent.

She noted that the numbers are particularly low in fields such as engineering, electronics, and computer science.

This year’s International Girls in ICT Day was commemorated under the theme: “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation.”

In her remarks, Nicole Adala, a student from the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), encouraged fellow girls not to be discouraged by gender stereotypes.

“We must take courage and confidently pursue ICT-related fields,” she said.