Girls in PNG defy gender stereotypes in ICT industry

BY MIRIAM MALAWA
GIRLS in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are breaking down gender barriers and pursuing careers in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men.
This progress is remarkable, especially in a country where women are often marginalized in the technology sector. The National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) is one organization that is actively promoting the participation of women and girls in ICT. NICTA provides training and mentorship programs for girls and women interested in pursuing a career in ICT, which has helped many young women launch successful careers in the industry.
Molina Mercy Kapal, a principal project engineer with NICTA, is one such success story. She advocates for gender equality in the technology industry and inspires other girls to follow in her footsteps.
“I always believe that whatever men do, women can do the same but a little bit extra,” she says. “With that kind of mentality, I always wanted to try out or do things that most women categorize as men’s job, and nothing stopped me from becoming an engineer.”
However, according to a report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), women represent only 5.5% of the ICT workforce in PNG, which is significantly lower than the global average of 17%. To address this issue, organizations such as NICTA and DICT continue to promote the participation of girls and women in ICT and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
During a celebration of the International Women in ICT in Port Moresby, Minister for Information and Communication Technology Timothy Masiu commended NICTA for its role in promoting girls in ICT.
He called on stakeholders in PNG to appreciate the role of women and girls in the ICT, saying PNG, like all developing nations, has to adapt and keep abreast of this change.
“Let us commemorate this day, aimed at encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in the dynamic field of ICT,” he said.
“For us in Papua New Guinea, it is also about bridging the digital divide by addressing the disparity in human capacity in technology.”
NICTA’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kila Gulo-Vui said that since 2012, NICTA has joined the global community in commemorating the International Girls in ICT Day.
“An initiative of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this day is celebrated every fourth Thursday of April. Today, we celebrate this important day to partake in the global effort to raise awareness on encouraging and empowering girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of ICT.”
The International Girls in ICT Day Forum provided a platform for stakeholders especially students from secondary and institutions in Port Moresby to together and discuss ways to empower girls and young women in PNG to pursue careers in ICTs.
The event also served as an opportunity to showcase the achievements of women in the ICT sector and inspire the next generation of girls to follow in their footsteps.