October 11th marks the International Day of the Girl Child, a global observance aimed at empowering girls and addressing the unique challenges they face. This day emphasises the importance of equipping girls with the tools, opportunities, and education needed to thrive, particularly in a world that is increasingly driven by technology. However, despite the potential that digital tools offer, a significant digital divide continues to prevent many girls from fully accessing and utilising these technologies.
In response to this challenge, the United Nations Youth Theme Group, in collaboration with various partners, hosted the Digital Youth Tech Expo. This event was specially designed to empower girls by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed in the digital age. The expo celebrated young girls’ achievements in technology and aimed to inspire others to explore and innovate in this dynamic space.
At Nova Pioneer Midrand Senior School (NPM S), our Computer Science teacher, Miss Anathi Bili, took the initiative to ensure that our students were part of this meaningful event. She organised a group of girls to attend the expo, where they engaged in various tech-related activities and discussions. The event, which was streamed live on Facebook, saw two of our students win tablets sponsored by MTN by participating in a Q&A session.
One of the winners, Sri Sahasri, a Grade 8 student at NPM S, shared her excitement about the event: “I felt very informed and inspired. I learnt about how women are the future in the tech space and a lot about women empowerment.”
The event not only provided a platform for learning but also fostered a sense of empowerment and encouragement for the girls. Miss Bili, reflecting on the experience, said: “It was an eye-opening experience for our learners. Such events help us foster encouragement and value in our students. Seeing them fully engaged, and two of them winning tablets, made me feel proud about the future of the girl child in the digital world.”
Another winner, Atanga, a Grade 9 student, shared her thoughts on the expo: “What I took away from the whole event was that girls are more than capable of entering the tech industry and conquering space.”
At Nova Pioneer, we continually strive to provide our students with opportunities that align with their future aspirations. Exposing our students to relatable industries such as technology helps them visualise their future careers and builds confidence in their ability to shape the world. This commitment directly supports our mission of developing generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century.
As we celebrate the achievements of our students, we remain dedicated to inspiring and empowering more girls to bridge the digital divide and confidently take their place in the tech world. The future is bright, and the future is female!
