International Girls in ICT Day 2026: Advancing Digital Inclusion through Her Digital Skills

International Girls in ICT Day, led by International Telecommunication Union, is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of April aiming at encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM.

This year’s theme, “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future”, highlights the importance of bridging digital divides and fostering leadership among women in emerging technologies.

A workshop on AI and inclusion

To mark the occasion, GSMA, in partnership with Verizon, hosted a dynamic workshop titled “AI in the World Today” under the EQUALS Her Digital Skills programme.

The session brought together participants, mentors, and industry professionals to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping today’s digital landscape, and how women and girls can actively participate in it.

Through powerful testimonials from learners and Verizon volunteers, the workshop underscored the critical role of mentorship in breaking down barriers to entry in the tech sector.

Voices shaping the conversation

Alumni from the Her Digital Skills programme, includingJuliet Nakawesi, Emmaculate Omucheni, Aastha Ghimire, and Kate Ratemo, engaged in an insightful fireside chat with Stephen McGunnigle, Clare Aitkenhead, Hannah Hewlett and Cyril Pourrat from Verizon UK seeking to explore what it takes to move from digital kills to a career opportunity in an AI-driven world.. The discussions aimed to inform the future direction of the EQUALS Her Digital Skills programme and allowed for a frank conversation around the intersection of lived experience and leadership.

About Her Digital Skills

The Her Digital Skills initiative, of EQUALS Global Partnership, aims to equip one million women and girls with gender transformative digital skills by 2026.

Co-founded by ITU, EY, GSMA, and W4, the programme combines:

• Hands-on workshops introducing key digital concepts

• Online self-paced training leading to EQUALS Digital Badges

• Soft skills e-mentoring connecting participants with industry professionals

By integrating skills development with mentorship and certification, the initiative supports women and girls in accessing further education, internships, and employment opportunities in the ICT sector.

Expanding access through digital learning

Despite rapid digital transformation, women currently hold only around 20% of tech jobs globally. Programmes like Her Digital Skills aim to close this gap by building both skills and confidence.

Participants benefit from:

• Gender transformative digital  skills

• Recognised certifications via the ITU Online Academy

• Mentorship and career development opportunities

Beyond technical knowledge, the initiative fosters inclusive learning environments where participants can connect, grow, and envision their future in tech.

Scaling impact through the ITU Academy

Coinciding with this year’s celebration, the programme continues to expand through its online learning offering on the ITU Online Academy.

The Her Digital Skills Badge platform will provide free, self-paced gender transformative training for women aged 16 and above, enabling learners worldwide to:

• Build foundational digital skills

• Progress through structured courses

• Earn recognised certifications

This online platform complements in-person workshops and mentoring, making high-quality training accessible at scale, regardless of location.

The power of partnership

The success of Her Digital Skills is driven by collaboration. Partnerships with organisations such as Verizon bring valuable industry expertise, mentorship, and real-world insights.

The “AI in the World Today” workshop demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can translate digital learning into tangible opportunities, ensuring women and girls are not only included in the digital future, but actively shaping it.

Looking ahead

Empowering women and girls with digital skills is not just about inclusion—it is essential for innovation, economic growth, and a sustainable digital future. As the Her Digital Skills initiative continues to expand, it reinforces a simple but powerful message: when women and girls thrive in tech, everyone benefits.