Empowering safe ICT usage: MTN trains 80 young females in cybersecurity skills
In an endeavor to narrow the gender divide in the technology sector, MTN Ghana has partnered with the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation to facilitate a mentorship program for 80 young females in the realm of Information Communication Technology (ICT). This initiative is an extension of the Ministry's ongoing Girls in ICT program.
MTN Ghana is backing the Girls in ICT project with GH¢10 million, intended to cover the project's expenses over a three-year period, commencing from 2021. The funding will be disbursed annually, amounting to GH¢3.33 million.
Eighty young scholars, who excelled in the Girls in ICT bootcamp training hailing from the Central, Oti, Western North, and North East Regions, journeyed to Accra to engage with women in technology from MTN and other technology companies. The mentorship session took place at MTN Ghana's headquarters. The students were granted one-on-one sessions with the CEO and mentors, providing them an insight into the professional lives of successful women in the industry.
Ama Pomaa Boateng, representing the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation at the event, expressed her pride in the young participants. With technology being predominantly male-dominated, the interest exhibited by these girls is encouraging. Boateng underscored the importance of educating these girls on safe Internet practices, such as cyberbullying, scamming, and fraud, to ensure they minimize risks when using the Internet. She acknowledged MTN's significant role in the training of girls in ICT and expressed gratitude for their ongoing support.
Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, Senior Manager for Corporate Communications at MTN, warmly welcomed the students and their educators to MTN House. She congratulated them on being selected among thousands, highlighting their potential to leverage the benefits of the Internet and engage with mentors. Asare Fiagbenu expressed excitement about the opportunity to teach these students how to access ICT safely and capitalize on the opportunities the Internet offers, thereby enhancing their academic pursuits.
Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager - Sustainability and Social Impact, MTN Ghana Foundation, emphasized MTN's ambition to witness a growing presence of women in the technology sphere. He expressed optimism that with continuous support, the young ladies would have increased opportunities to pursue careers in technology and STEM fields.
MTN Ghana's involvement in this initiative aligns with its vision to spearhead the delivery of a novel digital world and its core conviction that everyone should reap the advantages of modern connected life. Over the years, MTN Ghana has supported the project through in-kind and monetary contributions. In 2021, as part of MTN Ghana's 25th anniversary, the company decided to invest substantially in the program to benefit more girls.
- The funding from MTN Ghana's GH¢10 million report on the Girls in ICT project will not only cover expenses but also foster technology education and self-development for the participants over a three-year period.
- Ama Pomaa Boateng, during the mentorship session at MTN Ghana's headquarters, emphasized the importance of educating the girls not only on technological advancements but also on safe Internet practices, such as cyberbullying, scamming, and fraud, to ensure their online safety.
- By investing substantially in the Girls in ICT program as part of its 25th anniversary, MTN Ghana demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and fostering gender equality in the technology sector, aligning with its vision of delivering a novel digital world for all.
