In a country where access to technology and opportunity remains uneven, a group of young girls from township communities stepped into a space many had never imagined themselves occupying the world of innovation, coding and artificial intelligence.
The second annual Girls in ICT Day initiative, hosted by HONOR in partnership with the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT), was held in Bryanston, Johannesburg on April 23. Under the theme “AI for Development – Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” the programme brought together learners for a day focused on building digital skills, confidence and career awareness in the ICT sector.
The event attracted a mix of industry players, policymakers and global tech representatives, creating a platform where young girls could engage directly with leaders shaping the digital economy. Through hands-on workshops, including practical sessions on AI in mobile technology, the focus remained on real-world application ensuring learners left with tangible knowledge and exposure.
At the centre of the initiative is a deliberate effort to reach those often excluded from such opportunities. Slindokuhle Mbuyisa, Public Affairs and Government Relations Manager at HONOR, explained that participant selection is done in partnership with community-based organisations, including the Siyafunda Community Technology Center, which works closely with underserved schools.
She said the programme prioritises girls from township communities who face barriers such as limited access to devices, connectivity and mentorship ensuring the opportunity reaches those who would benefit most.
“Our goal was to create meaningful exposure for young girls who may never have had direct access to a corporate technology environment or hands-on engagement with emerging technologies.”
She noted that the impact of the initiative extends beyond the day itself, particularly in how learners begin to see their place in the tech space.
“Many of the girls arrived seeing technology as something distant, but left understanding that careers in AI, coding, robotics, and digital innovation are within their reach,” she said.
For Mbuyisa, the most significant outcome is a shift in mindset, where young girls begin to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as future creators.
“For us, success was seeing young girls begin to imagine themselves not only as consumers of technology, but as future developers, innovators and leaders in South Africa’s digital economy,” she added.
That shift, however, highlights a deeper challenge within the sector.
Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of ACT, said one of the most significant barriers preventing young girls from entering ICT is not ability, but confidence shaped by limited exposure and representation.
“The biggest barrier is not ability, it is belief.”
She explained that many girls internalise the idea that technology is not for them long before they fully understand the field, often due to societal stereotypes and a lack of visible role models.
To address this, Batyi stressed the importance of sustained interventions that extend beyond one-day events.
“Sustainability is intentional, it does not happen by default.”
She said partnerships like the one between HONOR and ACT are structured to build long-term pathways by linking exposure to mentorship, skills development and continued access to digital tools.
“The goal is to move from inspiration to structured pathways, so that today’s exposure becomes tomorrow’s opportunity,” she said.
Batyi also emphasised the need to start early, warning that many girls disengage from STEM pathways before reaching high school.
“Intervention needs to start early at primary school level, if not before,” she added.
The broader vision of the initiative was reinforced by HONOR South Africa CEO, Zhou Lefeng, who encouraged learners to embrace innovation and recognise their potential as active contributors to the digital future.
“Being young is defined by possibility. It is a time to think boldly, to remain open to new ideas and to recognise that you are not only the future of tomorrow, but active contributors to today.”
The government echoed this call for inclusion, with Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi highlighting the importance of opening pathways for young women in ICT.
“To truly transform the future of our country and the tech industry, we must open the doors wide for young women to enter and lead these spaces.”
Meanwhile, Sanum Singh, from Google Android Partnerships, emphasised the role of collaboration between industry and communities in bridging the gap between innovation and access.
The Star
