Tonga women in ICT champion digital literacy at Pacific IGF

Tonga women in ICT champion digital literacy at Pacific IGF is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• TWICT is driving digital literacy in Tonga by empowering women and girls to participate in the ICT sector.
• Key initiatives include workshops, hackathons, and media production aimed at enhancing digital skills across age groups.
• Challenges remain, but TWICT is committed to fostering innovation and expanding digital governance in the Pacific Islands.

The Pacific IGF was an important platform for TWICT to share its successes and highlight the ongoing need for gender equality and empowerment in the ICT sector as fundamental drivers of sustainable development in the Pacific region.

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Empowering women through digital literacy

At the Pacific Internet Governance Forum (Pacific IGF) in Wellington, Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT) showcased their vital work in promoting digital literacy and empowering women and girls in Tonga. TWICT’s mission is to create a digitally inclusive and resilient Tonga, with a particular emphasis on enabling women to engage confidently in the ICT sector, free from discrimination. Their efforts are aimed at ensuring that women and girls can actively contribute to the socio-economic development of Tonga through ICT.

Key initiatives for digital inclusion

TWICT’s initiatives, discussed during the forum, include a range of capacity-building efforts designed to enhance digital skills across all age groups in Tonga. These efforts include workshops and training sessions tailored for school students, younger children, youth, and community members. By integrating interactive elements such as competitions, hackathons, and media production, TWICT makes digital inclusion not only educational but also enjoyable, thereby sustaining engagement and interest in ICT.

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Challenges and commitment to progress

Despite facing challenges such as securing core funding, enhancing skills development, and increasing representation in the ICT industry, TWICT remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding digital literacy programmes. The organisation aims to strengthen digital governance resilience in the Pacific Islands through a multi-stakeholder approach that encourages local solutions and innovation. Their partnerships, particularly those that support innovation hubs and entrepreneurship programmes led by women, are crucial to these efforts.