PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE Department of Gender Affairs

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 24^th April 2025 – Department of Gender Affairs, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs & Transportation, is proud to announce its Inaugural Girls in ICT Day Speech Competition, to be held on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Salvation Army Auditorium in Providenciales.

Although International Girls in ICT Day is globally observed on the last Thursday in April, this year’s celebration in the Turks and Caicos Islands will take place on May 1st to accommodate the Easter school holidays. The decision allows for broader participation from students and educators alike, ensuring this groundbreaking event is accessible to all involved.

Girls in ICT Day is a global initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aimed at inspiring and encouraging girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With the digital world expanding rapidly, this observance highlights the importance of including women and girls in shaping the future of tech. It also draws attention to the gender divide in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and works toward ensuring that girls are not left behind in the digital revolution.

This year’s theme, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” reflects the growing need for equitable access to digital tools, knowledge, and careers for all young people, especially girls. As countries around the world adapt to rapid technological change, it is critical that girls are given every opportunity to develop digital skills, innovate, and lead in the tech space. The theme also speaks to the role that inclusion plays in national development, highlighting how equal participation in ICT benefits entire communities.

In this first-of-its-kind speech competition, students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands will take to the stage to share their perspectives on the topic: “How Can Digital Skills Empower Girls to Lead in ICT, and What Role Do Schools and Communities Play in Creating More Opportunities?”

Six schools from across the islands are participating in the event, with student representatives selected to speak on behalf of their institutions. These young ladies are:

• Tianna Kerr – Alpha Christian Academy
• Jeffca Forbes – Clement Howell High School
• Amelia Daniel – Maranatha Academy
• Tessenya Pyne – H.J. Robinson High School
• Bretanae Smith – Raymond Gardiner High School
• Danisha Decius – A. Louise Garland Thomas High School

Each participant will present original speeches that demonstrate their understanding of the digital landscape, the challenges faced by girls in ICT, and their vision for a more inclusive future. The competition is designed not only to test their public speaking abilities but also to empower them as thought leaders and role models for their peers.

The launch of the speech competition builds on the Department’s previous initiatives to promote gender equality in technology. In 2023, the Department facilitated school visits by women working in the ICT sector, offering firsthand insights and inspiration to students. In 2024, the Department hosted a dynamic panel discussion in Providenciales, where over 100 girls from across the Turks and Caicos Islands came together to hear from leading women in technology and digital business. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for this year’s event, which raises the bar by giving girls a public platform to share their voices.

The Department of Gender Affairs acknowledges the generous support of its event sponsors, Beaches Turks and Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, FLOW, Fortis TCI, and Blue Haven Resort, whose contributions help bring visibility and resources to this vital cause.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, emphasized the critical importance of investing in the next generation of female ICT leaders and the government’s continued commitment to gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and the role of digital innovation in driving national development.

The Minister stated:

“It is with great pride and optimism that I commend the Department of Gender Affairs on the launch of this inaugural Girls in ICT Day Speech Competition. This initiative clearly reflects the Government’s commitment anchored in the Government’s Citizens’ Contract 2.0 with the people to gender inclusion and youth empowerment. It places young women at the forefront of digital innovation, a space where their voices and talents are not only needed but essential.”

This year’s theme, ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’, speaks volumes. In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, the future belongs to those who are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead. It is imperative that girls are among those future leaders. By creating platforms such as this, an investment is being made in a generation of innovators who will drive national development and help shape a more inclusive society.

The Department of Gender Affairs deserves commendation for its continued dedication to championing girls in technology. Past initiatives, from school visits by women in ICT to engaging panel discussions have paved the way for today’s milestone event. And to the young ladies competing, know this: your words have power, your dreams are valid, and your future in ICT is bright.

Let this be a collective effort by the Ministry, the community, and the nation to build a more equitable digital landscape where every girl is encouraged to dream big and lead boldly.”

The Department of Gender Affairs is proud to champion girls’ cause in ICT and remains committed to creating a society where young women are encouraged and supported in pursuing their dreams in the digital world. The speech competition marks the beginning of a new tradition in the Turks and Caicos Islands, one where girls take center stage in shaping the future of technology.