NDMA hosts ICT Day to empower women in tech sectors

In observance of International Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day 2025, the Cybersecurity Division of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) hosted a programme for women and girls, aimed at empowering young women to envision and pursue careers in the ICT Sector, aligning with this year’s global theme: “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation.”
NDMA’s Cybersecurity Director, Ms Muriana McPherson, during her opening address, stated that the observance of Girls in ICT Day 2025 is necessary and plays a critical role in outlining the importance of women in the world of technology. Ms McPherson reminded the gathering that we are living in a time where technology shapes almost every aspect of our lives: how we learn, how we connect, and even more, how we define ourselves.
She encouraged the participants to ensure they take up space in the sector, noting, “I want you to feel empowered, as if you’re standing before a door of opportunity. There are barriers that we need to eliminate, and abilities we need to nurture. That’s why we’re here today – to equip you with the tools and confidence to survive and thrive in this age.”
Building on Ms McPherson’s remarks, Dr Andreasa Morris-Martin, Head of Computer Science at the University of Guyana (UG) stated that digital transformation is not just a technical change, it’s a cultural one, noting that this can only be accomplished if we have the views from all aspects of society, including women, who she noted bring a different view to ICT development.
Dr Morris-Martin remarked that “the story of technology is that it moves so fast, it sometimes forgets people. But we need diverse voices. If only one kind of person is designing systems, then the result lacks perspective. It won’t surprise, won’t innovate. We need your voices. Your ideas.”
She reminded the gathering that ICT impacts every sector—not only ICT and technological development, but also education, healthcare, and even culture. She encouraged the students, noting that their contributions to the sector have the potential to generate positive ripple effects both nationally and globally.
Dr Morris-Martin reminded the participants that they must be willing to lend their hands to create solutions for Guyana’s specific needs, reminding them that although solutions may exist, solutions for Guyana’s context must also be developed, and women must ensure they are a part of creating those solutions.
Outside of the opening speeches, participants also benefited from a dynamic panel discussion featuring Ms McPherson and Dr Morris-Martin, NDMA’s e-Services Manager, Ms Nkasi Nedd, and Assistant ICT Engineer, Ms Theoshammah Bunbury, along with Yolanda Lamott, Technical Analyst: Policy & Planning at the Telecommunications Agency. The panellists shared their experiences, challenges, and insights, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse opportunities within the ICT sector.
Additionally, today’s event featured a series of interactive activities designed to engage and educate participants. Activities ranged from Cyber Feud, Cyber Sleuths: Decoding the Mystery, Roboquest: Build and Code, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Differentiation Exercises, among others.
In its press release, the institution noted that as the world celebrates International Girls in ICT Day, the NDMA remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting women in leadership roles within the ICT sector.
With women holding key positions across various departments, NDMA continues to champion gender equity, capacity building, and mentorship programmes to bridge the digital gender divide.
International Girls in ICT Day is a global initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aimed at inspiring girls and young women to explore careers in the rapidly growing field of ICT.
NDMA’s involvement each year reaffirms its dedication to ensuring inclusive, future-ready digital citizenship for all Guyanese.
For more information about NDMA and its programmes, visit www.ndma.gov.gy or follow on Facebook and Instagram.