TDRA Celebrates Girls In ICT Day, Empowering Future Female Leaders In Tech
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) recently marked International Girls in ICT Day, a global initiative by the International Telecommunication Union. This year's theme, "Leadership," was chosen to encourage and empower women to assume leadership roles within the ICT sector and become role models. The celebration, held at TDRA's Dubai office, was in collaboration with the TDRA Youth Council and the Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development Goals. It aimed to boost girls' awareness of the ICT sector's future opportunities and inspire them to explore related academic fields.
Mohammed Al Ramsi, TDRA Deputy Director-General for the Telecommunications Sector, emphasized the dynamic nature of the UAE's ICT sector and the critical role women play in it. He highlighted that women account for approximately 49% of ICT-related field graduates. Al Ramsi also pointed out the significant representation of women in the UAE Cabinet, where nine women hold key positions, many of whom have backgrounds in technology or digital innovation roles. This, he noted, reflects the UAE's commitment to integrating technology across all sectors, driving development and setting a course for various domains.
The event featured a welcoming speech by Shatha Al Hashmi, Advisor to the General Secretariat for Sustainable Development Goals in the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals. Al Hashmi underscored the crucial role Emirati women play in advancing development goals. The ceremony included panel discussions such as "Behind Every Robot, an Ambitious Woman" with Yasmin Al Enazi, co-founder and UAE Ambassador Women in AI Global Community, and "The Experiences of Inspiring Youth in the ICT Sector," presented by speakers from TDRA in collaboration with Etisalat Youth Council from E& and DEWA.
The celebration also highlighted women's achievements in the ICT sector, underlining the UAE's leadership in gender equality. According to the United Nations Development Programme, the UAE ranked first regionally and seventh globally in the gender equality index for 2024. Data from the Artificial Intelligence Office shows that women represent 46% of Artificial Intelligence program graduates. At the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, about 42% of the team are women, with this figure increasing significantly in hands-on roles—women made up 80% of the scientific team for the Hope Probe mission.
Furthermore, female students' interest in scientific disciplines has grown, with 56% of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation majors at public universities being women. Additionally, women make up about 67% of qualified participants in the National Science and Technology Exhibition. These statistics not only reflect a positive trend towards gender equality within STEM fields but also highlight the UAE's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for women in technology and innovation.
With inputs from WAM
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