Flow observes girl in ICT Day

PRESS RELEASE: Flow joined the global community in celebrating Girls in Information Communication Technology (ICT) Day observed on April 26, 2018 under the theme ‘Expand Horizons; Change Attitudes’.

The telecommunications provider held informational sessions with female students of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VIST) on April 25, as well as at the Career Day at the Elmore Stoutt High School on May 3.

In her address to the students of VIST, Customer Experience Manager, Debrah Henry shared her experience during her 20-year tenure in the telecommunications industry.

She said: “It’s not about gender. You don’t have to be a male to work in a technical job. You are starting off on the same level. You are equipped. Use the tools that you are given. Don’t limit yourself.”

Marketing and Communications Manager, Nadia James-Harris, in her presentation to students of the Elmore Stoutt High School, noted that the telecommunications provider embraces diversity because it is good for business, and encouraged them to consider the opportunities available in the telecommunications industry, especially for females.

She said: “Our parent company, Cable & Wireless, is making history by having its first female CEO, Inge Smidts.”

As part of her presentation, Mrs Harris also addressed the issue of social media presence, namely, cybersecurity and cyber-bullying, encouraging the students to be mindful of the information shared via their social media platforms.

She admonished, “For safety sake, you don’t need to share everything about your personal lives on social media. Be extremely careful with your profiles, and use the correct security settings available to keep your profile safe. Additionally, be mindful of what you share. As first time job-seekers, your social presence can follow you into the workforce and can potentially influence your career opportunities.”

According to the International Telecommunications Development Sector (ITU-D), “International Girls in ICT Day, an initiative backed by all ITU Member States, aims to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider car eers in the growing field of ICTs, enabling both girls and technology companies to reap the benefits of greater female participation in the ICT sector. International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of April.”