International Girls in ICT Day
Governments worldwide contribute extensively to the development and renewal of the course of science and technology. This progress is accelerating thanks to the processes of innovation and inventions that have characterized our world today, which is facing major transformations in all aspects of life. The strength of nations and their peoples now lies in the extent of the knowledge and scientific advancement they possess, and in the efforts they make to invest in science and expertise, as well as in building qualified human capacities capable of engaging with and utilizing this knowledge and its outcomes in building their societies and countries.
Especially as the world is undergoing a fundamental transformation that has significantly changed the way we live, work, and think, all of which has left far-reaching effects on society. The year 2025 marks ten years since the proclamation of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and also reminds us of the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action. These two events are prominent indicators of the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and empower women. Therefore, achieving gender equality in the field of science and technology is essential for building a balanced and sustainable future.
Despite the progress achieved over the past decades, women and girls still face many challenges due to numerous barriers and emerging developments. This makes it necessary to identify and understand these challenges through research and studies in order to develop solutions and mechanisms that would support the participation of women in this field.
It is also necessary to establish policies and administrative procedures that enhance an inclusive work environment, ensuring genuine diversity and equality across various fields. Among the most important of these policies is providing opportunities for girls and women to pursue education in various fields of science and technology from the earliest stages of childhood.
Here, I would like to highlight the strategy adopted by the United Arab Emirates to enhance the contribution of women in the fields of information technology, technology, and scientific research. This strategy includes gender diversity and inclusiveness across all areas of life, including the digital revolution, ensuring that women have equal access to high-quality government services that are digitally enhanced.
The strategy also includes the implementation of mentorship programs aimed at supporting and guiding women in the fields of science, technology, and scientific research. It provides equal opportunities that promote gender equality in employment and funding, which contributes to bridging the gap while ensuring the participation of girls and women in developing solutions to complex problems across all scientific and technological disciplines, as well as related applied research.
This strategy serves as a model that can be used as a reference to enhance the role of women in this vital and important field. Here, I must emphasize the importance of exchanging experiences and research findings and of fostering partnerships to ensure that women have an active role in the development of advanced technology at the international level.
Fatima bint Mubarak
