Huawei Technologies Ghana on Monday launched the first all-Girls Edition of its global flagship corporate social responsibility programme, “Seeds for the future” in Accra.
Partnered by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, the programme aims at developing local skilled Information Communication Technology (ICT) talents, enhancing knowledge transfer, promoting greater understanding of the telecommunications sector and bridging the communication gap between countries.
Sixty ladies in various universities across the country are expected to benefit from the 2021 edition held under the theme: ‘Inspiring global talent to shape the future.”
The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, MsAmaPomaaBoateng, in her remarks at the virtual launch ceremony noted that the initiative was timely and relevant.
“This is a very good time for Ladies in ICT and Huawei dedicating their Seeds for the Future Programme to the Ministry’s Girls in ICT initiative is a step in the right direction,” she said.
Ms Boateng who noted that ICT training was essential in enhancing the country’s digital economy, indicated that grooming young ICT talents was a step in the right direction.
“The Ministry is very keen on digitalisation and we believe one of the surest ways to accelerate the process to propel Ghana into a digital economy is through ICT skill training and capacity building,” she stated.
“It is therefore important that we nurture young ICT talents to give our great nation a more formidable future while remaining competitive on the global market,” she added
The deputy minister used the opportunity to commend Huawei for the initiative and advised the participating ladies to remain focused during the programme while representing Ghana as ambassadors.
“My advice to you is to go all out and grasp every bit of this opportunity by fully immersing yourselves in the experience and training as well as taking part in all the activities, you are not only doing this for yourselves but representing Ghana,” she said.
“I would commend Huawei for all their contributions towards the development of ICT in Ghana,” she added.
Mr Tommy Zhou, Managing Director of Huawei Ghana, said it was important for the gender gap in technology to be bridged as women were also instrumental in the technology industry.
“The barriers to women accessing and having careers in the technology industry must be broken down through education and training, giving girls and young women the opportunities and skills to enter the technology world.”
“At Huawei, we believe that technology innovation can be led by women, and technology in its end can empower women,” he added.
BY ABIGAIL ARTHUR
