International Girls in ICT Day

International Girls in ICT Day: Empowering the Next Generation of American Tech Leaders

International Girls in ICT Day is a vital global initiative that resonates deeply within the United States, serving as a call to action to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector. In an era where digital literacy is as fundamental as reading and writing, this day focuses on empowering girls and young women to see themselves not just as consumers of technology, but as its creators, architects, and innovators. Across the U.S., from the silicon corridors of California to the emerging tech hubs in the Midwest and the East Coast, this day highlights the transformative power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the essential role women play in its future.

What makes this day truly special in the American context is its focus on potential and the "unwritten" future. With research suggesting that a staggering 65% of children entering primary school today will end up working in completely new job types that don’t yet exist, the emphasis is on adaptability and technical fluency. In the United States, where the tech industry is a primary driver of the national economy, ensuring that girls have the skills and confidence to enter STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields is considered a matter of both social equity and national competitiveness. It is a day of inspiration, where the barriers of "pink" and "blue" career paths are dismantled in favor of digital empowerment.

The essence of International Girls in ICT Day lies in visibility. It provides a platform for young American girls to connect with female role models who have paved the way in coding, cybersecurity, robotics, and digital communications. By showcasing the diverse opportunities within the ICT umbrella—ranging from developing life-saving medical software to creating sustainable environmental technologies—the day helps demystify a sector that has historically been male-dominated. It is about shifting the narrative from "can girls do this?" to "how will these girls change the world through technology?"

When is International Girls in ICT Day in 2026?

In the United States, International Girls in ICT Day is observed annually on the fourth Thursday of April. This scheduling ensures that the observance falls during the school week, maximizing the opportunity for educational institutions and corporate partners to engage with students.

For the upcoming year, the observance will take place on:

• Date: April 23, 2026
• Day of the Week: Thursday
• Countdown: There are 110 days remaining until this important event.

The date of International Girls in ICT Day is variable. Because it is tied to the "fourth Thursday of April" rather than a specific calendar date, the actual day changes from year to year. This allows the tech community and schools to plan activities that fit within the standard academic and work week, ensuring high levels of participation across various time zones in the U.S.

History and Origins: A Global Mandate for Change

The roots of International Girls in ICT Day can be traced back to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. The initiative was born out of a growing recognition that the digital divide was not just geographic or economic, but also gendered.

The formal foundation was laid during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2010. Member states adopted Resolution 70, which specifically focused on "Gender mainstreaming in ITU and promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women through information and communication technologies." This resolution recognized that ICTs are relevant for women and men and have the potential to provide real opportunities for women’s empowerment.

Following this resolution, International Girls in ICT Day was officially launched on April 8, 2011. Since its inception, the movement has grown exponentially. What started as a centralized UN initiative has blossomed into a global grassroots phenomenon. In the United States, the observance has gained significant traction over the last decade, aligning with national movements to increase STEM participation among underrepresented groups. The U.S. government, through various agencies, and major American tech giants have embraced the ITU’s vision, making the United States one of the most active participants in this global movement.

The primary objective remains consistent: to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of ICTs, enabling both girls and technology companies to reap the benefits of greater female participation in the tech sector.

The Significance of ICT in the United States

In the American landscape, "ICT" is a broad term that touches almost every aspect of daily life. While it might sound like technical jargon, in the U.S., ICT encompasses the tools and systems that Americans use every minute of the day. This includes:

1. Communication Tools: Smartphones, tablets, and the infrastructure that supports cellular networks.
2. Internet Services: Email, social media, web browsing, and cloud computing.
3. Software and Applications: Everything from the apps used to order food to the complex algorithms used in financial markets.
4. Emerging Tech: Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain.

For American students, understanding ICT is no longer optional. The U.S. Department of Labor frequently highlights that many of the fastest-growing occupations are in computer and information technology. However, despite the high demand and high wages, women remain underrepresented in these roles. International Girls in ICT Day serves as a critical intervention point to show American girls that the devices they use every day are tools they can learn to build and control.

How People Celebrate in the United States

Unlike traditional American holidays characterized by parades or fireworks, International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated through action, education, and mentorship. The "celebration" is found in the classroom, the boardroom, and the digital space.

Educational Workshops and Coding Camps

Schools across the country, from elementary to high school level, often dedicate time on this Thursday to specialized ICT activities. Coding "Hour of Code" Events: Many schools host intensive coding sessions where girls learn the basics of languages like Python, JavaScript, or Scratch. Robotics Demonstrations: Schools with STEM programs often hold "open pit" sessions where girls can program robots to complete specific tasks, emphasizing the physical application of digital logic. App Development Challenges: Some communities host "hackathons" or mini-competitions where girls work in teams to design an app that solves a local community problem.

Corporate Engagement and Mentorship

The United States is home to some of the world's largest tech companies, and these organizations play a massive role in observing the day. Office Tours and Job Shadowing: Companies like Cisco, ServiceNow, Google, and Microsoft have historically opened their doors (virtually or in person) to student groups. Girls get to see the "day in the life" of a software engineer, a UX designer, or a cybersecurity analyst. Guest Speakers: Tech firms often send female engineers and executives to speak at local schools, sharing their personal journeys and the challenges they overcame to succeed in tech. Webinars and Virtual Panels: For schools in rural areas or those unable to travel, large-scale webinars provide access to industry leaders, allowing girls to ask questions and receive career advice in real-time.

Highlighting American Pioneers

A significant part of the American observance involves looking back at the women who shaped the digital world. Educators often use this day to teach students about: Ada Lovelace: Often cited as the first computer programmer. Grace Hopper: A Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy and a pioneer of computer programming who developed the first compiler. Annie Easley: A NASA rocket scientist and computer scientist who was a leader among African Americans in the field. Sister Mary Kenneth Keller: The first woman (and one of the first two people) to earn a PhD in Computer Science in the U.S.

Media and Social Media Campaigns

In the U.S., social media is the primary tool for spreading the message of Girls in ICT Day. Hashtags: The community uses #GirlsInICT, #GirlsinICTDay, and yearly specific tags like #GirlsInICT2026 to share success stories. Documentary Screenings: Groups often organize screenings of films like CodeGirl, which follows high school girls from around the world as they compete in a global tech entrepreneurship competition, or CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap, which examines the reasons for the dearth of female software engineers in the U.S.

Traditions and Customs

Because this is a professional and educational observance rather than a cultural or religious holiday, "traditions" are centered around empowerment and community building.

1. The "Tech Pledge": Some schools encourage girls to take a pledge to try one new digital skill during the month of April, whether it's learning a new software shortcut or writing their first line of code.
2. Mentorship Circles: A growing tradition is the formation of "circles" where older high school or college students mentor younger girls, creating a pipeline of support that lasts beyond the single day.
3. Digital Portfolios: Teachers often use this day as a deadline for girls to showcase a digital project they have been working on, such as a website, a digital art piece, or a video game.
4. Awards and Recognition: Some organizations use the fourth Thursday of April to announce scholarships or "Young Woman in Tech" awards to recognize local talent and encourage continued study.

Practical Information for Participation

If you are a parent, student, educator, or tech professional in the United States, there are several ways to get involved in the 2026 observance.

For Students and Girls

Explore Online Platforms: Websites like Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code, and Code.org offer free resources year-round, but often have special modules or challenges specifically for International Girls in ICT Day. Join a Club: Use the day as an impetus to join or start a coding or robotics club at your school or local library. Ask for Mentorship: Don't be afraid to reach out to women in tech through platforms like LinkedIn (with parental supervision for minors) to ask about their career paths.

For Educators and Schools

Register Your Event: The ITU maintains a global map of events. Registering your school's workshop or guest speaker session helps show the United States' commitment to this cause on a global stage. Curriculum Integration: Use the week of April 23 to integrate ICT themes into other subjects. For example, discuss the ethics of AI in social studies or the mathematics of encryption in math class. Invite Local Experts: Reach out to local IT businesses or university computer science departments. Many professionals are eager to volunteer their time for "Career Day" style presentations.

For Tech Companies and Professionals

Host an Open House: Create a "Girls in ICT" day where daughters of employees and local students can visit the office and see tech in action. Social Media Advocacy: Share interviews with female employees on the company blog or social media channels. Highlighting diverse roles (not just coding, but also project management, design, and sales within tech) is crucial. Sponsorship: Consider sponsoring a local girls' robotics team or providing hardware donations to schools in underserved communities.

For Visitors and Expats

If you are visiting the U.S. or are an expat living here during 2026, you will find that most activities are localized. Public Libraries: Check the calendar of the local public library in your city. Many American libraries have "Maker Spaces" and will host free coding workshops for children on this day. Science Centers and Museums: Institutions like the Smithsonian in D.C. or the Museum of Science in Boston often have special programming or exhibits focused on women in science and technology. Virtual Attendance: Since many events are hosted by the ITU or large U.S. corporations, you can participate in high-quality webinars from anywhere with an internet connection.

Themes and Focus for 2026

Each year, the ITU sets a specific theme to guide the global conversation. While the theme for 2026 will be finalized closer to the date, recent years have focused on "Digital Skills for Life" and "Leadership." In 2025, the focus was on "Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation."

In the United States, the 2026 focus is expected to lean heavily into Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy and Cybersecurity. As AI becomes integrated into every American industry, ensuring that girls are part of the team's training and auditing these algorithms is essential to prevent gender bias in technology. Additionally, with the increasing importance of national digital security, there is a concerted effort to recruit more women into the cybersecurity workforce.

Is International Girls in ICT Day a Public Holiday?

It is important to note that International Girls in ICT Day is NOT a public holiday in the United States.

Business Operations: All businesses, including tech companies, banks, and retail stores, remain open with normal operating hours. Government Offices: Post offices, courts, and government administrative offices operate as usual. Schools: Schools are in session. In fact, because schools are open, they serve as the primary hubs for the day's activities. Public Transit: Buses, subways, and trains follow their standard weekday schedules.

Because it is not a federal or state holiday, there are no closures. Instead, the "observance" happens within the flow of the regular day. This is intentional, as the goal is to integrate ICT awareness into the existing educational and professional environments where these girls will eventually work.

Conclusion: Why April 23 Matters

As we look toward April 23, 2026, the significance of International Girls in ICT Day in the United States cannot be overstated. It is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a catalyst for change. By dedicating this day to the empowerment of girls in the digital sphere, the U.S. tech community and educational system are investing in a more diverse, equitable, and innovative future.

In the United States, where the "American Dream" is increasingly tied to digital opportunity, ensuring that no girl is left behind in the technological revolution is a priority. Whether it’s through a simple social media post using #GirlsInICT, a complex coding workshop at a local library, or a corporate mentorship program, every action taken on this day helps to "debug" the gender gap.

As the countdown ticks down—with only 110 days to go—now is the time for American educators, parents, and tech leaders to begin planning. By celebrating the achievements of past pioneers and providing the tools for future ones, the U.S. continues to lead the way in making the world of ICT a place where every girl can thrive. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the focus will be clear: the future of technology is female, and that future starts with the girls in classrooms across America today.