Increasing the number of females in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector is a great challenge. That’s according to Deputy minister for Telecommunications and Postal Offices, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
She was speaking at Orbit FET college in Mogwase, near Rustenburg, where 25 girls from Mogwase received their ITC Certificates.
The girls from local rural areas successfully completed their ICT training. The department’s aim is to bridge the technological gap between girls and boys from 13 upwards.
“One of the challenges or reasons why girls are left behind is the fact that most girl children tend to think that maths and science is mainly for boys. Now we are trying to educate them. Even if you want to be a nurse, the reality is that we are driving the fourth industrial revolution. Even if you are going to be a nurse, you have to use technology so it is important to bring them on board to encourage stopping studying maths literacy and going for maths,” said Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
The programme also offers young women opportunities in ICT.
“I started this course in 2015 where it was basic computer training, where we were taught a whole programme of Microsoft from word to excel, publisher,” said one of the beneficiaries of the programme.
“I feel I have to transfer my skills because I have been given it for free so I have to transfer skills to my village,” added another one.
The programme has also encouraged others to enhance their technology skills.
The event is in commemoration of International Girls in ICT Day which is celebrated annually.
