'ICT offers new opportunities for girls’

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) opens up new doors of opportunities for the girls in the country, speakers at a conference said yesterday.
Relief International-Schools Online, a US-based organisation in partnership with Democracywatch organised the daylong conference titled 'ICT and Girls' Empowerment' at BIAM auditorium in the city.
The conference was a part of Global Connections and Exchange Project (GCE), which is being implemented in Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Palestine and USA by Relief International-Schools Online.
Speakers at the conference said that development practitioners, policymakers and the mass people must consider ICT education for girls seriously because without their participation, IT sector will be lagging behind.
Taleya Rehman, executive director of Democracy, Harvey W Sernovitz, deputy director of American Center, and Nazrul Islam, country director, Relief International, also addressed the conference.
Taleya Rehman in her speech said using the new ICT such as internet, girls in rural areas will be able to connect them to the world and learn a lot, which will eventually enhance their employment opportunities.
Harvey W Sernovitz said that GCE projects create a sense of empowerment for youth who might otherwise have a difficult time affirming themselves and showcasing their talent and potential.
Schoolgirls from across the country participated at the daylong conference.
The conference showcased some ICT innovations and projects, which are very much effective in empowering girls via ICTs.
The GCE project has set up internet-enabled computer centres in 27 schools across Bangladesh.