In partnership with the Uganda Communications Communication WOUGNET organized a Gender and ICT Camp for female youth in Eastern Uganda on 3^rd – 5^th April 2009. This was an effort to raise awareness among female youths about the benefits and opportunities offered by ICTs and to increase women /girls use of ICTs and to empower them to improve on their livelihoods and status in society.

Participants at the Girl-Child Youth ICT Camp

Held in Mbale Town, the camp attracted schools from Sironko, Bududa, Mbale, Busia and Tororo Districts and was truly empowering! Sessions on ICT4D, the role of ICT in education, introduction to gender and gender issues in ICTs and not forgetting hands on session on computer, internet and networking tools did not leave them the same.

The excited female youths composed poems songs, and could clearly articulate issues of gender and basics in computer. Many could now use internet and were able to open emails for themselves and departed more confident and determined to take on science subjects and courses that will enable them participate in the information society.

Awareness creation and building the skills of girls in ICT is key to improving girls’/women’s access to information on education, nutrition, health and other development issues. Increased awareness of ICT opportunities will also enable girls to able active participants in the "Information Age" and this will enable them to speak on their own ‘issues' hence empowerment. More camps are planned to be held in Western and Northern Uganda.

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