On April 23, 2026, the Digital Agenda for Tanzania Initiative (DA4TI) joined global efforts to celebrate International Girls in ICT Day, emphasising the critical role of girls in shaping the digital landscape of the future. The event, held in Arusha, brought together young girls, boys, and community leaders to promote digital inclusion, gender equality, and STEM education. Tatu Mbamba, Outreach Specialist for Online Children’s Rights, Women, and Youth at DA4TI, led the charge, urging girls to embrace technology and break barriers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Today, we are not just celebrating technology we are advocating for change,” Mbamba stated passionately. “In the digital age, we need every girl to see technology as a language of empowerment. Girls must be encouraged to join STEM programs, not only to innovate but to lead in building digital communities that are inclusive and equitable.” Her message was clear: technology is not just a tool it is a pathway to transformation.
The event highlighted the persistent gender gap in digital access and education. According to UNESCO’s 2024 Gender Report, in Africa, only 40 to 44 out of every 100 women possess spreadsheet skills compared to 100 men, and fewer than one in three STEM graduates are women. These statistics shows the urgency of initiatives like the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), which has trained over 600 girls across 32 African nations and aims to support 2,000 women and girls aged 17–25 by 2028.
DA4TI’s mission aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 5: Gender Equality. The organization emphasizes that digital inclusion cannot be achieved without ensuring that girls and women are actively engaged in the digital ecosystem. “When families, schools, and communities work together to support both boys and girls, no one is left behind,” Mbamba affirmed.
In addition to advocacy, DA4TI promotes digital safety, digital literacy, and policy engagement. Through its Digital Safety Workshop Series and Internet Governance School (DASIG), the organization equips youth with the skills to navigate the digital world responsibly. It also conducts research on digital rights, data governance, and edtech to inform policy and empower communities.
The 2024 celebration of International Girls in ICT Day, coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), marked a global push for digital equity. In Africa alone, six countries including Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya hosted national events to inspire girls to pursue ICT careers.
In Tanzania, the focus was on overcoming barriers to access and safety, with the theme “Access and Safety” highlighting the need to protect young women from online harassment and digital exclusion
With a growing demand for digital skills, DA4TI’s work is more crucial than ever. As Tanzania prepares to leverage digital transformation for economic growth and social development, ensuring that girls have equal access to technology will be a key driver of progress.
The organization calls on governments, educators, and parents to support this mission, stating: “The digital future belongs to those who are ready to build it and girls have the power to lead.”
Through education, mentorship, and policy advocacy, DA4TI is turning vision into action one girl at a time.
For more information visit:
Digital Agenda for Tanzania Initiative (DA4TI)
ITU International Girls in ICT Day 2024 – Africa
UN Women Africa – African Girls Can Code Initiative
