Over 37,000 Girls Benefited From MTN Ghana’s Girls in ICT Initiative
Telecom giant marks nine years of supporting the National Girls in ICT Initiative, impacting over 37,000 girls nationwide through training, mentorship, and access to technology
MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, digital inclusion, and the empowerment of young girls through technology education, describing its support for the National Girls in ICT Initiative as a long-term investment in Ghana’s future.
CEO Challenges Girls to Dream Big
Chief Executive Officer Stephen Blewett, speaking at the MTN National Girls in ICT Initiative celebration, underscored the importance of equipping girls with digital skills, confidence, and the ambition to thrive in the tech industry. He urged the young participants to envision themselves as future innovators and leaders.
“The next big idea, the next innovation, the next CEO of MTN Ghana can come from one of you. With hard work, focus, and commitment, you can become like the amazing women you’ve interacted with today or even more,” he told them.
Encouraging STEM Careers
The National Girls in ICT Initiative is a flagship programme designed to encourage more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as part of broader national efforts to enhance digital inclusion and participation.
As part of the engagement, MTN hosted 100 girls for a breakout session with its Women in Technology group an internal network of female professionals from ICT, legal, enterprise business, and network departments. The session gave participants the opportunity to interact with women in diverse career paths, learn about subject choices, and receive guidance on becoming responsible and accomplished citizens.
Commitment to Gender Equity
Blewett stressed that MTN has taken tangible steps to promote gender equity within the organisation, including a target of 50% female representation across its operations and ensuring pay parity between men and women.
“There’s no reason women should be paid differently from men. It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever,” he said.
He added that MTN’s support for the Girls in ICT Initiative goes beyond financial investment, describing it as a deliberate effort to bridge the gender gap in technology and shape a more inclusive digital future.
Long-Term Investment in Digital Skills
Since 2021, MTN Ghana has invested GH₵17.6 million in the initiative, impacting more than 37,700 girls across the country over the past five years. In collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, the programme offers girls firsthand exposure to real-world technology environments.
Encouraging the finalists from the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions, Blewett urged them to embrace challenges with confidence.
“Be fearless. Keep asking questions. Keep experimenting. When girls are equipped with skills and confidence, they transform families, communities, and entire nations.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
He also encouraged the girls to visualise their future selves and speak their dreams into existence.
“Introduce yourself as the person you want to be in 20 years whether it’s a CEO, tech entrepreneur, or even the President. What you decide today will determine who you become,” he said.
Praising MTN’s women in technology and other executives who mentor the girls, Blewett joked that some of his female leaders “scare him” with their competence and boldness.
Georgina Asare Fiagbenu Highlights Nine-Year Sponsorship
MTN Ghana’s Head of Corporate Communications, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, said the company’s long-standing support aligns with its sustainability agenda to empower young women and bridge the gender gap in STEM.
“Many girls shy away from science and STEM-related subjects because of the perception that they are fields meant for boys. When we were approached nine years ago, we were happy to support girls to develop an interest in ICT and upgrade their skills,” she said.
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She noted that MTN’s sponsorship covers travel, hosting, and the provision of laptops and other ICT tools.
“In the past few weeks, we were in the Volta Region, and in September we will be in the Upper West Region. To date, we have impacted about 13,000 girls across the country,” she added.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
