SGV Consulting Leader Rossana A. Fajardo was one of the speakers at the 8th Mindanao Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Cluster Conference, with the theme “Accelerating SMART CITY in Mindanao: Built on connectivity and cybersecurity.” The conference was held from 18 to 19 October 2023 in Butuan City.
Rossana at the 8th Mindanao ICT Cluster Conference
Rossana’s talk shed light on the remarkable intersection between women and technology, showcasing the invaluable role that women play in today’s innovation and digital advancement-driven technology industry. She also shared recommendations for closing gender disparities in the field of technology.
She highlighted SGV and EY initiatives to support and empower women in technology, such as the Women in Technology (WiT) program and the EY STEM app.
Rossana with Caraga ICT Cluster Inc. President and Butuan City Councilor Cherry May G. Busa
The WiT program is a comprehensive and inclusive endeavor aimed at supporting girls and women to explore, excel, and lead in the world of technology. It includes educational programs to promote and develop girls' interest and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), incubation efforts to nurture women's leadership potential in technology, support for female tech entrepreneurs, and the innovative fostering of a diverse and empowered technical workforce.
The EY STEM app is an interactive platform which aims to inspire young girls to pursue STEM professions by offering gamified content focused on science and technology. This educational tool has already been successfully deployed in New Delhi, Seattle and Atlanta, as well as in other locations in Oceania, India and the Philippines. SGV is currently in discussions with a school to roll out the EY STEM app in Mindanao.
Rossana’s talk also aligned with the launch of Butuan City's SMART Gender and Development (GAD) Code, which sets the stage for a gender-responsive, inclusive, digitally resilient, and safe environment in the city.
