Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THOUSANDS of young women and girls from across the province have gathered at the National University of Science and Technology for the national commemorations of International Girls in ICT Day 2026, with stakeholders calling for increased participation of girls in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The celebrations, are being held under the global theme “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” are being spearheaded by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe in partnership with Elevate Trust and other stakeholders in the technology sector.
Young women and students from schools and tertiary institutions across Bulawayo and Matabeleland provinces are participating in the event, which seeks to empower girls to become innovators, developers and leaders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera is set to preside over the event.
The programme features mentorship masterclasses, interactive discussions and hands-on Artificial Intelligence (AI) sessions aimed at equipping girls with practical digital skills and exposing them to career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Organisers have said the initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap in technology by creating platforms where young women can engage with industry experts, gain confidence and learn how technology can be used to solve challenges in sectors such as agriculture, health and engineering.
They said the importance of ensuring girls move beyond being consumers of technology to becoming creators of digital solutions that contribute to national and regional development.
The celebrations are part of Zimbabwe’s broader digital transformation agenda, with a strong emphasis on harnessing AI and emerging technologies to drive innovation and economic growth.
International Girls in ICT Day is commemorated globally to encourage girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in ICT and related fields.
