TECH giant STARR Computers, in collaboration with the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), exposed 30 female students and six teachers to the role of girls in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).The students who recently toured STARR Computers facility on Brickdam were given a demonstration on career paths for women in the field of ICT. The schools involved were Carmel Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, Lodge Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, Brickdam Secondary and Central High School.

During the tour of the facility the students were briefed on the hybrid renewable energy (wind and solar), which is a combination used to power the company.

The students were also told that free energy is readily available in Guyana, but the fact that so little is done to harness its source and supply opens new opportunities to many as a career path.

Sales Manager Penny Francis and Lenovo Product Manager Shunella Taylor enlightened the students on the benefits of having women in the world of ICT.

Francis explained that young girls more than often neglect ICT as a viable option for their studies and careers as they do not see many examples of women in this field.

However, she highlighted ICT in terms of advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment by encouraging girls to choose a career in that field and by fostering the use of ICT for the social and economic empowerment of women and girls.

STARR Computers, Francis added, also seeks to create a platform for advancing women’s meaningful engagement with ICTs and their role as decision-makers and producers within this sector.

She noted that in considering gender equality mainstreaming, there are now new technologies to transform the lives of women everywhere by giving them access to education, information, support networks, employment opportunities, healthcare and more.