Microsoft Gulf and Dubai Women’s College recently hosted an event to educate and inspire girls by introducing them to the many opportunities and career choices available in the high-tech industry.

Called DigiGirlz Day, the region’s first ever event of its kind, it was held in partnership with the Ministry of Education at the campus of Dubai Women’s College (DWC).

Microsoft hopes that this initiative will encourage more young women to pursue degrees and careers in computing science and computer engineering, with the ultimate goal of narrowing the gender gap in the industry.

“Microsoft’s goal is to inspire a young generation with technology and encourage them to contribute towards the development of a knowledge society,” said Dr Zaki Khoury, education and citizenship lead, Microsoft Gulf.

“DigiGirlz is an effort to show high-school girl students what the technology industry is all about, what careers are available and to let them see how exciting it is to create something that can truly impact a large number of people.

“We try to give them a broad view of the technology and the products we create, and want these girls to know that IT is not just for boys or geeks. Technology innovation is for everyone. DigiGirlz is just one of Microsoft’s many initiatives and programs that aim to educate and attract female talent.”

Microsoft also continues to actively partner with universities and national organizations to increase the representation of women in computer-related majors by changing the image of computing and creating opportunities attractive to girl students.

Dr Behjat Al Yousef, chair of the Centre for Women and Technology for the Arab World (CWTAR) and associate director, Dubai Women’s College added: “Our aim is to reach out to high school girls who are one of our target populations in our efforts to increase female participation in science, technology, engineering and math programmes.

“By hosting an event such as DigiGirlz, we aim to empower students to build successful careers for themselves and educate them on technology. DigiGirlz is an example of our strong partnership with Microsoft and we look forward to a continuous long-term association with them to inspire more females in the region to join a science and technology career force.”

Dr Al Yousuf also pointed out that the DigiGirlz event is a result of the recommendations made by the CWTAR, which was inaugurated last November at Dubai Women’s College.

According to the CWTAR plan, the DigiGirlz model in Dubai is to be adopted by five Arab countries as part of a three year plan under the educational framework to increase the engagement of girls with technology.