International Girls in ICT Day, launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2011, has grown into a global movement, with ITU partners and numerous organizations around the world organizing their own events to promote the inclusion of girls and young women in ICT.
On the occasion of marking this important day, the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) and the Student Association of the Faculty of Information Technology of the University “Mediterranean” (USFITUM) successfully organized the fourth Girls in Digital Skills Competition.
This year, the competition brought together 23 teams from high schools across Montenegro, each consisting of three female students. The theme of this year’s edition was “Technology in the Service of Learning,” through which participants had the opportunity to design and present innovative solutions aimed at improving educational processes using modern digital technologies.
The competition program was carried out over two days, April 23 and 24. 23. On the first day, teams worked intensively on developing their ideas and preparing their solutions, with the support of mentors—teachers who had previously completed training focused on enhancing digital and pedagogical competencies. A special segment of the program was dedicated to developing presentation skills, where participants improved their public speaking, content structuring, and effective communication of ideas.
On the second day, teams presented their projects before an expert jury, demonstrating a high level of creativity, teamwork, and understanding of the application of technology in education. Following the evaluation, the best teams were announced and awarded, symbolically concluding a two-day program filled with learning, knowledge exchange, and inspiration.
The event gained additional value through the active involvement of students via USFITUM, who participated in organizing and implementing the competition by providing logistical and technical support. This further strengthened the connection between secondary and higher education, as well as the exchange of experiences among young people.
The competition was realized with strong support from the wider community, confirming a shared commitment to the development of digital skills and the promotion of gender equality in STEM fields. We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, sponsors, and friends who supported the organization of the competition and recognized the importance of investing in the knowledge and development of young girls: Oracle Academy, Montenegrin Electric Distribution System (CEDIS), Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (EKIP), Čini dobro Foundation, Centre for Finance, HMI2MARKET, Logate Institute, Hotel Princess, University “Mediterranean” Podgorica, and Crnogorski Telekom.
Special thanks are also extended to the teachers and mentors for their dedication and work with the students, as well as to the students who made a significant contribution to the organization of the event.
This year’s competition was also implemented within the context of the HMI2MARKET initiative, whose goals are focused on developing digital competencies, fostering innovation, and strengthening inclusiveness in the field of information technologies. A particular emphasis was placed on supporting underrepresented groups. Namely, women in STEM fields still represent a minority at the global level, accounting for only about 28% of the total STEM workforce, which further highlights the importance of such initiatives.
Finally, we congratulate all participants on their outstanding effort, creativity, and presented solutions, and especially the awarded teams on their achievements. Their work and enthusiasm serve as a strong incentive for further development and greater involvement of girls in information technology and STEM fields. Initiatives like this will continue to be an important segment of the activities of FIT and its partner organizations, with the goal of creating a more inclusive and innovative digital society.
