By Fredrick Obura

Over 200 girls from high schools in Nairobi County last week received career guidance from a Microsoft DigiGirlz day.

The event themed “Girls get IT” took young women through various ICT topics on the latest innovations in technology and opportunities in the sector. The Company hopes to significantly increase the number of young women involved in technology-focused careers.

“Currently, out of the over 200,000 students that begin university, only about 20 percent choose a career in IT, leaving a huge technological gap in the job market,” said Lorraine Maina, marketing and operations lead, Microsoft East and Southern Africa.

Microsoft’s DigiGirlz day strives to provide young women with the necessary expertise and direction to succeed in a world becoming more dependent on the latest technologies and innovations.

“We believe that this event will help dismiss any stereotypes of the high-tech industry catering solely to males.” Students were engaged by different speakers from partner organisations among them the Kenya ICT board, a co- sponsor of the event,  who encouraged them to stay active in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs and to pursue degree courses in technology related fields. 

 “Events such as Digigirlz help demystify the industry by profiling successful Kenyan women in IT.

"Relevant role models are essential in creating an interest in the IT field and helping young women visualise a career in IT,” said Catherine Ngahu, Kenya ICT Board Chairperson, “However, an interest in IT does not only prepare women for a career but also empowers them with ability to leverage technology in their daily lives to access information and convert it into knowledge.”

Nearly 19,000 students have attended the Microsoft DigiGirlz Technology Programs (both camps and one-day events) since they began in 2000.      

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