Girls face barriers to tech careers despite education rights

While education remains a fundamental right for all girls, many still lack the necessary resources, instruction, and guidance to pursue careers in technology fields.

This year’s International Day of the Girl Child, centered on the theme “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights,” shows the importance of creating equitable opportunities in tech for young women.

For girls in marginalized communities, obstacles extend beyond financial constraints. Deep-rooted gender biases continue to portray technology as an exclusively male domain, discouraging them from envisioning themselves as future software engineers, digital designers, or innovation leaders.

During a conversation with a technology educator, LindaGift Awo Johnson stressed that digital proficiency and access to technical training must form the foundation of every girl’s education. Yet, true digital literacy encompasses far more than basic smartphone navigation or internet browsing.

How digital literacy transforms opportunities for girls in tech

“Girls should have opportunities to understand how technology works, use digital tools safely and responsibly, evaluate information critically, solve problems, and eventually create with technology,” Johnson said.

“Depending on their interests and abilities, this could include writing code to solve problems, data analysis, digital design, artificial intelligence, digital marketing and other emerging fields,” Johnson added.

Turning this vision into reality demands addressing the systemic barriers that block girls’ access to digital education.

A UNICEF Generation Unlimited report, “From Access to Employment: Addressing the Barriers to Digital Skills Development for Nigerian Girls,” examines findings from surveys involving over 500 girls and young women in Lagos. The study reveals persistent obstacles, including prohibitive training costs, limited device availability, unreliable electricity infrastructure, and ingrained gender stereotypes.

“In many households, girls rely on shared family phones or outdated computers, often competing with siblings for limited usage time. Frequent power outages, high data costs, and cultural norms that prioritise boys’ digital exposure further restrict their engagement,” the report said.

The analysis also reveals that even within Lagos—a major urban hub—disparities persist across educational institutions and training programs, reflecting broader inequalities in device and internet access.

Drawing from research and discussions with women in technology, here are 10 actionable strategies to support girls in tech fields.

10 effective ways to empower girls in technology

1. Engage girls directly in their local communities.

Technology advocates, women in tech, and child-rights supporters can organize outreach initiatives to discuss career possibilities in tech with girls where they live. These conversations should dismantle stereotypes framing technology as male-dominated, introduce diverse tech professions, and demonstrate that girls can successfully pursue these paths.

2. Host school-based tech career workshops.

Industry professionals can lead structured educational sessions in secondary schools, particularly targeting girls aged 14 to 19.

Unlike informal community discussions, these workshops can systematically cover digital literacy fundamentals, available tech careers, required skills, and initial learning pathways. Participants could also receive notebooks, beginner learning materials, or inspirational books featuring women in technology to encourage continued exploration.

3. Offer complimentary digital skills workshops.

Volunteer tech instructors can teach foundational digital competencies at no cost, progressing from basic digital literacy to introductory programming, user experience design, data analysis, cybersecurity fundamentals, or other technical disciplines.

Sessions could be scheduled during school breaks, weekends, or through brief community workshops, reducing conflicts with academic commitments.

4. Ensure girls have access to essential technology tools.

Tech entrepreneurs can donate refurbished laptops, lend devices to learners, or establish laptop scholarship programs where applicants demonstrate both financial need and clear learning objectives.

Where individual device donations aren’t feasible, professionals can coordinate supervised access to computers through shared workspaces, training centers, or office environments.

5. Address connectivity and power challenges.

Mentors, entrepreneurs, and tech companies can assist by providing data subsidies, mobile internet allowances, portable power banks, or access to locations with stable connectivity.

Building mentorship and collaborative learning networks

Establishing mentorship relationships represents another critical component. Tech professionals can commit to guiding one or two girls over a defined period, helping them explore career options, select learning paths, and establish achievable goals.

In conclusion, providing girls with the necessary resources and support to pursue careers in technology is key for their development and future success. By addressing the systemic barriers and providing opportunities for girls to learn and grow, we can help create a more equitable and inclusive tech industry.