Key Takeaways:
- Girls in ICT Day on April 27 aims to improve female representation in the tech sector
- Lack of encouragement from an early age may contribute to only 20% of tech startups being founded by women
- Diversity and soft skills, such as adaptability and empathy, are important for a highly skilled and efficient workforce in the digital landscape.
Digital Skills for Life: The Importance of Recognition and Representation of Women in Tech
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the importance of digital skills is becoming more apparent. Digital technology has transformed many industries, and the need for a highly skilled workforce in the evolving digital landscape has never been greater. However, research shows that only about 30 per cent of STEM professionals are female. The inequality of STEM professions by gender represents the need for investing in more empowerment and opportunities for women in the ICT world.
Girls in ICT Day
Girls in ICT Day is celebrated on the 27th of April, with the aim of improving female representation in the technology sector. The theme for this year is ‘Digital Skills for Life,’ which highlights the importance of digital skills in all aspects of life. This is an opportunity to inspire girls to pursue tech education and jobs by promoting the benefits and opportunities available, celebrating women and digital skills, and recognizing the achievements in digital progress so far.
Overcoming Challenges
Research shows that 92 per cent of workers are facing barriers to develop their digital skills. Two-thirds of the UK workforce are looking to improve their digital skills over the next two years, and 10 million people in the UK lack basic digital skills. This acts as a barrier to education, job applications, digital healthcare, online banking, and other essential capabilities. To overcome these challenges, investment in education and training is necessary to ensure that everyone has access to digital skills and that everyone can participate fully in the digital economy.
Encouragement Opportunities and Motivation
One of the reasons for the low number of women in tech could be the lack of encouragement from an early age. Inspiring girls to pursue tech education and jobs by promoting the benefits and opportunities available is key to increasing female representation in the tech sector. Recognizing the achievements of women in digital progress so far is also important in motivating girls to pursue careers in tech. Celebrating the achievements of women in tech can inspire girls and give them the confidence to pursue their dreams.
The Importance of Diversity
Diversity is crucial in creating a highly skilled and efficient workforce in the digital landscape. Only about 30 per cent of STEM professionals are female, which highlights the need for investing in more empowerment and opportunities for women in the ICT world. Businesses need a diverse workforce to maximize new technologies and drive business efficiencies. Having a diverse workforce means that there are more perspectives and ideas that can be listened to and worked upon during times where motivations hit a high.
Combining Soft Skills to Drive Business Efficiency
Pairing soft skills, such as adaptability and empathy, can help drive business operations. In times of change or uncertainty, having employees with soft skills can help a business navigate through challenges. Soft skills such as adaptability and empathy are essential in the digital landscape, where things can change rapidly. A highly skilled and diverse workforce that possesses soft skills can help a business remain competitive and innovative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Girls in ICT Day is an opportunity to inspire girls to pursue tech education and jobs by promoting the benefits and opportunities available. The lack of diversity in STEM professions by gender represents the need for investing in more empowerment and opportunities for women in the ICT world. Overcoming challenges, investing in education and training, encouraging and motivating girls, and promoting diversity are all essential to create a highly skilled and efficient workforce in the digital landscape.
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