The University of Culture celebrated the International Girls in ICT Day #GirlsinICT, joining the initiative of the International Telecommunication Union, aimed at creating a global environment that expands the rights and opportunities of girls and young women, stimulates them to choose a profession in the growing field of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies).
This year, the 10th anniversary International Girls’ Day in ICT was held in Ukraine with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the consortium of the dComFra project of the Erasmus + international program, which includes the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts.
Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration Valeria Ionan stressed that absolutely everyone has the potential for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). “Unfortunately, gender stereotypes about working in the STEM sphere persist in Ukrainian society. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance and its partners will develop a program for the International Girls’ Day in Information and Communication Technologies to draw attention to this topic. “As part of the celebration of the International Girls’ Day in ICT at the University of Culture, a Panel Discussion was organized by the scientific and pedagogical staff of the university in cooperation with the National Platform for Action. Digital Education.
Discussion moderator Olena Tchaikovska, a member of the consortium of the dComFra project of the Erasmus + international program, Dean of the KNUKiM Distance Learning Faculty, opened the Panel Discussion and noted: “Expand your horizons, change your approaches! It is under this slogan that events take place on the International Day of Girls in ICT. On this day, girls from all over the world are motivated to start their studies and careers in the ICT industry, talk about the prospects of this industry, share the secrets of professional success, as well as advise on where to find inspiration and motivation.
Ruslana Korenchuk, project manager of the National Platform Action.Digital World, acquainted the audience with the national project of the Ministry of Digital Transformation “Action. Digital Education ”, the main goal of which is to teach 6 million Ukrainians digital literacy in 3 years. The expert noted that in late December 2019, the Ministry of Education conducted the first in the history of Ukraine sociological survey of digital skills of citizens, according to which 53% of Ukrainians do not have a basic level of digital skills, and 15.1% of them aged 60-70 do not have them in general. At the same time, 47% of citizens aged 18 to 70 are interested in mastering digital skills. The results of the study can be found at http://bit.ly/3auKqWG.
In addition, Ms. Ruslana presented the National Online Digital Literacy Platform Action. Digital education, which is available at the link. Every citizen can learn digital skills for free in a modern format – educational series. The platform already has 50+ educational online series on various topics available, as of January 1, 2021, more than 400,000 users have been trained on the Action. Digital Education platform. Within this platform, the resource “Digit”, which is a national test for digital literacy (https://osvita.diia.gov.ua/digigram) was also launched. The speaker emphasized that not only the comfort of living in the country of digital services but also the competitiveness of every citizen of Ukraine depends on the level of digital literacy.
Dun Aibo, Head of Communications, Huawei Ukraine, congratulated the fairer sex on the occasion, emphasizing that the main goal of International Girls’ Day in ICT is to unite efforts to promote women’s empowerment in the field of information and communication technologies and for using ICT. “Today, Ukraine and the world need specialists in artificial intelligence, robotics experts, and cybersecurity professionals. Innovations take place every minute at all levels and in every field of knowledge. Information and communication technologies contribute to the creation of new types of jobs, new professions in all sectors of the economy, in education, medicine, culture. ICT affects all areas of our lives. In a pandemic, we see the special value of ICTs for the digital transformation of the economy and society. The digital economy is a new opportunity for everyone. Huawei has been operating in Ukraine and for Ukraine for more than 20 years. We work with partners in the field of technical education in Ukraine to provide access to the world experience of companies and knowledge. Develop ICT skills to find the job of your dreams, create startups, change the world for the better. Knowledge is power. Girls can be leaders in digital transformation, manage and make decisions in the field of ICT, gain recognition for their achievements in the digital world. Knowledge in ICT is equal opportunities and a powerful force for change! ”
Svitlana Shitikova, the coordinator of the National Erasmus + Office in Ukraine project, congratulated all participants of the Girls’ Day in ICT, noting that everyone is involved in this holiday because it is impossible to imagine the current life without having digital competencies. Ms. Svitlana spoke about the possibilities of the European Union’s Erasmus + International Program for 2021-2027, noting that the updated Program will be not only international but also more inclusive, digital, and environmentally friendly! Svitlana Shitikova invited everyone to take advantage of the opportunities of the EU Erasmus + Program for development and join the competitions!
Irada Dzhalladova, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Computer Mathematics and Information Security at the Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University, shared important steps towards success in science and professional life. Presented information about the activities of EWM – the community of European women mathematicians, reminded everyone about the Year of Mathematics in Ukraine and outlined the prospects for women mathematicians in the IT field.
Svitlana Slipchenko, VoxCheck analyst, head of the internship and fact-checking program, stressed the importance of critical thinking, media literacy and digital competencies. She introduced the internship opportunities for students and told them about how to become a professional fact-checker and who is interested in working with such professionals.
Inna Kalinina, PR Team Lead LEAGUE: LAW (LIGA Group of Companies) presented the story of a real sweater: how she changed her profession three times, went into IT, and did not regret it. The speaker also noted that girls should be creative in all spheres of life, especially at work. Summing up her own report, Ms. Inna noted the most inspiring women in human history who were not afraid of change.
Yulia Malich, Public Projects Manager of Itera, presented the key findings of the reputation study of the Ukrainian IT industry in 2020. She informed why the IT sphere is the driver of development, what are the main trends for young people and prospects for women.
Antonina Bukach, Director of the Digital Development Academy LLC, Google for Education Certified Trainer, revealed the secrets of her own professional success, told about the experience of obtaining certification at the Google Learning Center. She also expressed her opinion on the development of IT together with the Academy of Digital Development and provided life hacks on how to achieve harmony in all areas of life.
Kateryna Yanushevska, a Project Coordinator of the IT Ukraine Association, a student of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Culture, shared her history and tips for girls, where she finds opportunities and why she chose the specialty “Computer Science”.
Marina Tolmach, a lecturer at the Department of Computer Science, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Distance Learning at the University of Culture, spoke about a flash mob from the International Organizing Committee of the event. Facebook. Students of the Faculty of Information Policy and Cybersecurity joined the flash mob with their photos and ideas, which were shown to other participants in the discussion.
Incredible hours of communication with brilliant speakers and interesting people, inspiring stories, discussions with ICT experts from leading Ukrainian and international companies, valuable advice on starting a career and women’s leadership in ICT flashed unnoticed. We hope that everyone has gained useful experience, as well as their share of inspiration for building a career in the field of information and communication technologies!