The Ministry of Communications has indicated that it is focused on ending stereotypes against young girls interested in science and technology in the country.
This is according to Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu- Ekuful, who lamented the poor statistics of young women in this field of study.
She made this comment while delivering a speech at the launch of the Ms. Geek Ghana Competition in Accra on Wednesday.
“Concerning girls in the field of technology, science, and mathematics, the statistics are not very encouraging. For us at the Ministry of Communications, we are determined to put in place initiatives that will end all forms of stereotyping of young women pursuing these subjects.”
“We are doing this through the Girls in ICT Program which is an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) initiative adopted worldwide by all member states of the ITU to encourage and empower girls and young women to consider studies and career in the growing field of ICT enabling both girls and technology companies to reap the benefits of greater female participation in the ICT sector,” she stated.
The Ms Geek Ghana Competition seeks to groom young girls to meaningfully contribute to solving the continent’s challenges using technology.
It is also set to equip them with digital skills, which is in line with the SDG goal 5 objectives of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
In December this year, the shortlisted applicants will partake in a masterclass and afterward present their solutions before a panel at the Innovation Africa Summit as part of its activities.
The top 10 finalists will undergo a weeklong intensive training program to equip them with presentation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills to prepare them for D-day.
The winner will also represent Ghana at the Ms. Geek Africa Competition whilst the top 3 finalists will receive cash prizes, business support amongst others.
The winner will also be financed to begin to implement her project.
Young girls between the ages of 15 and 23 years are encouraged to submit their entries in person or through email at info@msgeek.org.gh before November 10, 2019.