Ericsson targets girls to power growth of ICT

By Lillian Kiarie

The telecommunications manufacturer Ericsson Kenya has upped its ante in training and funding of more girls in information communication technology (ICT) courses. 

The firm hopes this will reduce the growing gender imbalance in the technology sector. The firm has taken up an annual “Girls in ICT day” to expose high school girls to learning more on ICT careers.

The firm hosted 20 final year students drawn from five high schools last week, during which Ericsson staff encouraged them to consider future careers in the ICT industry.

Margaret Mutisya, Ericsson Human Resources Manager, said the sector is rewarding and satisfying.

“As part of the initiative, nearly 90 countries organised events empowering more than 30,000 girls worldwide in 2012. The Ericsson’s Kenya “Girls in ICT Day” marked on May 31, 2013 is therefore part of a global initiative but with local execution,” said Ms Mutisya.

School selected

The students drawn from Alliance Girls, Pumwani Secondary, Starehe Girls, Embakasi and Huruma Girls, who were  the top performers in their end of term Form Four exams .

 Others were  Alliance Girls,  Pumwani Secondary, Starehe Girls as well as Embakasi and Huruma Girls.

“This is our first Girls in ICT Day event and we are committed to track the academic progress of the girls to monitor how those who are pursuing careers in ICT are performing, with a view to incorporating them in Ericsson’s management trainee programmes”, said Ms Mutisya.

“Ericsson plans to pick 20 girls each year in future for mentorship as part of the “Girls in ICT Day” initiative.”