Empowering Future Innovators: ‘Girls in ICT Talks’ 2024/2025 Marks Another Successful Year

• May 26, 2025
• Andrew

The “Girls in ICT Talks” initiative for the 2024/2025 scholastic year has once again achieved remarkable success, continuing its mission to empower and inspire the next generation of female leaders in technology. This year’s program was the result of a continued collaboration between the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), the Career Guidance team at the National School Support Services (NSSS) within the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills under the Church Secretariat.

At the heart of the initiative lies a clear objective: to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Through targeted career sessions, the program seeks to break down gender stereotypes, challenge misconceptions, and encourage girls to explore the exciting possibilities that careers in ICT have to offer.

The “Girls in ICT” initiative not only promotes gender equality but also provides young students with positive role models and mentorship opportunities. At a time when the demand for ICT professionals is steadily increasing, the lack of female representation remains a critical issue. By introducing girls to the digital world early on, the program equips them with future-oriented skills and contributes to building a more diverse and innovative tech industry.

This year, the initiative expanded its reach by delivering more sessions than ever before, and for the first time, two talks were held in Gozo, with over 150 Year 7 female students attending from both a state and a church school on the island.

A total of eleven schools, spanning both state and church institutions, participated in this year’s sessions:
• Agius de Soldanis Middle School, Victoria, Gozo
• Bishop’s Conservatory School, Gozo
• Pembroke Secondary School
• Carlo Diacono Middle and Secondary School, Żejtun
• Maria Goretti Middle School, Tarxien
• Ta’ Paris Middle School
• St Joseph School (Senior Section)
• St Monica School, Birkirkara
• St Joseph Mater Boni Consilii School
• Sacred Heart Senior School
• Middle School Rabat

The sessions were led by an inspiring team of MDIA Women Ambassadors: Ediana Guillaumier, Vanessa Vella, Loranne Avsar, Oriana Ebejer, Margaret Falzon, and Ghita Ramdhiansingh. Each ambassador shared her unique journey into the ICT field, shedding light on the diverse career paths available to women in technology. The presentations were designed specifically for Year 7 girls, using relatable examples and engaging storytelling to make ICT both accessible and exciting.

The talks included encouragement to girls highlighting the fact that their ideas and creativity are powerful! Girls can create amazing apps, games, and tech tools and that tech is for everyone, and that there’s no limit. There is no need for perfect grades to get started; what is required is curiosity and courage and not be afraid of failure.

Feedback from participating schools was overwhelmingly positive. Educators embraced the opportunity and expressed strong support, actively encouraging their students to take part.
Many highlighted how the talks complemented classroom learning and introduced students to curriculum topics in a real-world context.

The ongoing success of “Girls in ICT Talks” reinforces the importance of such initiatives in promoting gender inclusion within STEM education. These sessions do more than just inform—they inspire. By offering young girls exposure to successful women in tech, they help build confidence, demystify the ICT industry, and encourage more inclusive participation in the digital economy.

As the initiative grows, so does its impact. Encouraging girls to explore ICT not only opens up career opportunities for them but also ensures the sector benefits from a broader range of perspectives. In doing so, it contributes to a more equitable, innovative, and dynamic future for all.

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