Posted: Thursday, April 24, 2025. 9:44 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Today, on International Girls in ICT Day, I join voices around the world to amplify a message that is more critical than ever: We need more girls and women in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)—not just globally, but right here in Belize.
As a journalist working in the digital space, I see firsthand the power of ICT to inform, connect, and uplift our communities.
In this digital age, where news travels at the speed of a tweet and facts can be verified with a click, women’s voices—especially Belizean women—must not only be heard but empowered through the tools of technology.
Technology shapes every aspect of our lives—from education and healthcare to entrepreneurship and, of course, journalism.
According to the United Nations, 65% of today’s primary school children will work in jobs that do not even exist yet, and many of those roles will be rooted in technology and innovation.
Girls and young women deserve to be part of that future—not just as consumers of technology, but as creators, coders, digital storytellers, and innovators.
We see girls like Jakomba in the Gambia, starting robotics clubs; Nino in Georgia, hosting hackathons; and Eno in Ethiopia, building drones. Their stories are inspiring examples of what’s possible when girls are given the tools and opportunities to thrive in tech.
We must give Belizean girls those same chances.
In the world of journalism, especially digital journalism, ICT is the lifeblood of our work. It allows reporters like me to:
- Work remotely and reach Belizeans in every district and even abroad.
- Share breaking news instantly through social media, websites, and email alerts.
- Use digital tools to fact-check, investigate, and produce high-quality multimedia reporting.
- Amplify underrepresented voices—especially women and girls—through storytelling and digital platforms.
Imagine the power of a young Belizean girl who learns to code, builds her own blog, and uses her platform to report on the issues affecting her community. That’s not just empowerment—that’s transformation.
Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, Rossana Briceño so rightly said today: “When we invest in girls’ digital skills, we build a more inclusive and innovative future for all.”
The theme this year, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” is more than a slogan—it’s a blueprint for action. Let’s ensure that every girl in Belize has access to the training, tools, and support needed to thrive in a tech-driven world.
That means investing in STEM education, creating safe digital spaces, and mentoring the next generation of tech leaders—starting in our schools, communities, and newsrooms.
Today, I encourage all Belizeans to join the movement. Share stories of the women and girls in technology who inspire you using the hashtag #GirlsinICT. Let’s celebrate our changemakers and lift up our future innovators.
To every girl in Belize dreaming of a future in tech: The digital world needs you.
Belize needs you. And the future is yours to shape.
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