Empowering Future Innovators: 2024-2025 edition of "Girls in ICT Talks" marks another successful year
The ‘Girls in ICT Talks’ initiative for the 2024/2025 school year regained remarkable success, continuing its mission of empowering and inspiring the next generation of women leaders in technology. This year's programme was the result of continued collaboration between the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), the Career Guidance team in National School Support Services (NSSS) within the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills under the Church Secretariat.
Objective of the initiative
At the heart of the initiative is a clear objective: to address the persistent under-representation of women in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Through targeted career sessions, the programme seeks to break gender stereotypes, challenge misconceptions, and encourage girls to explore the exciting possibilities that ICT careers offer.
The ‘Girls in ICT’ initiative not only promotes gender equality but also provides young students with positive role models and mentoring opportunities. At a time when demand for ICT professionals is constantly increasing, the lack of female representation remains a critical issue. By introducing girls to the digital world early on, the programme equips them with future-oriented skills and contributes to building a more diverse and innovative tech industry.
Expanding Reach and Participation
This year, the initiative expanded its reach by offering more sessions than ever before, and for the first time, two talks were held in Gozo more than 150 Year 7 students attended by both a state school and a church school on the island.
A total of nine schools, covering both state and church institutions, participated in this year’s sessions:
- Agius de Soldanis Middle School, Rabat, Gozo
- Bishop's Conservatory School, Gozo
- Pembroke Secondary School
- Carlo Diacono middle and secondary school, Zejtun
- Maria Grech Ganado Middle School, Tarxien
- Paris Mean School
- St Joseph School (Senior Section)
- St Monica School, Birkirkara
- St Joseph Mater Boni Consilii School
Inspiring Role Models: MDIA Women Ambassadors
The sessions were led by an inspiring team of MDIA Women Ambassadors: Ediana Guillaumier, Vanessa Vella, Loranne Avsar, Oriana Ebejer, Margaret Falzon, and Ghita Ramdhiansingh. Each ambassador shared her unique journey in the field of ICT, shedding light on the various careers available to women in tech. The presentations were designed specifically for girls of Year 7, using relatable examples and interesting stories to make ICT both accessible and exciting.
The talks included encouraging girls to highlight the fact that their ideas and creativity are strong! Girls can create amazing apps, games and technological tools and that technology is for everyone, and that there is no limit. Perfect grades are not needed to get started; What is needed is curiosity and courage and not to be afraid of failure.
Positive Feedback and Future Impact
The feedback from the participating schools was extremely positive. Educators took the opportunity and expressed strong support, actively encouraging their students to take part. Many highlighted how the talks complemented classroom learning and introduced students to curriculum topics in a real-world context.
The continued success of ‘Girls in ICT Talks’ reinforces the importance of such initiatives in promoting gender inclusion in STEM education. These sessions do more than just inform—inspire. By offering young girls exposure to tech-successful women, they help build confidence, clarify the ICT industry, and encourage more inclusive participation in the digital economy.
As the initiative grows, its impact also grows. Encouraging girls to explore ICT not only opens up career opportunities for them but also ensures that the sector benefits from a wider range of perspectives. In this way, it contributes to a more equitable, innovative and dynamic future for all.
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