‘TechnoGirls’event inaugurated at Dubai Women’s College

Under the patronage and in the presence of Humaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education, Dubai Women’s College (DWC) inaugurated today, a one day event entitled “TechnoGirls”. The event was conducted in partnership with major IT companies like Microsoft, HP and Intel and took place at the DWC campus with 400 students participating from 14 schools in Dubai, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman.
In his speech, Humaid Al Qutami stated that he is proud that UAE is filled with institutions that provide higher education to the nation, such as the Higher Colleges of Technology, which managed in a short time to impose itself on the field of education, and to make a quick foot steps towards the leadership between the most prestigious global institutions from universities and institutes.
Al Qutami stressed that the Technogirls event which is designed to stimulate Emirati females to emulate the technology and its innovations, also encourages them to talk about the features of a better tomorrow, and tools for the future which they can be at the forefront and influential participants in the technology industry and the developed world. “This is what we desire, and Higher Colleges of Technology is keen to instill it in the students,” he pointed out.
From his part, Dr. Howard Reed, Director of Dubai Women’s College said that the number of women working and studying ICT (Information and Communications Technology) around the world is surprising low, especially considering that they are so talented in this field.  “The Technogirls event is giving high school girls the opportunity to experience new IT products from industry experts and faculty at DWC.  Hopefully this will encourage more of them to consider ICT??? related studies,” he added.
With the aim of increasing girl’s engagement with technology and exposing them to the various career opportunities available in the high-tech industry, TechnoGirls is a program that targets youth and provides them with the opportunity of learning about careers in technology and also connecting them with other school girls in a practical hands-on environment. Throughout the event, DWC engaged its participants with thought provoking exercises which assisted them in managing their lives and careers using technologies of the future.
Dr. Behjat Al Yousef, Associate Director of Dubai Women’s College mentioned that the aim of the event is to reach out to high school girls who are one of our target populations in our efforts to increase female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs.  “By hosting an event such as Technogirls, we aim to empower students to build successful careers for themselves and educate them on technology. Technogirls is an example of our strong partnership with Microsoft, Intel and HP and we look forward to a continuous long-term association with them to inspire more females in the region to join a science and technology career force,” she added.
Zaki Khoury, Business Manager at Microsoft Gulf pointed out that "TechnoGirls is an example of our strong partnership with the UAE’s academic community and we look forward to a continuous long-term association with DWC to inspire a young generation with technology and encourage them to contribute towards the development of a knowledge society."
Ms. Elena Danici, retail and marketing manager of HP PSG Middle East said that HP Middle East is very proud to be one of sponsors of the TechnoGirls  Event. “This event is a fantastic platform for us to not only exhibit and share directly with the students the best in HP’s latest technologies, but also offer participants the opportunity to use our pioneering technology in a way that is of benefit to educating the younger generations,” he added.
The event included showcasing future technologies and conducting 10 technical workshops. A panel discussion was also held with industry and graduate alumnae to enhance student awareness on online threats and security issues.  Exclusive sessions were held for teachers on Elluminate, a 21st century teaching tool to create virtual learning environments to enhance student learning. Jyothi Ganglani, DWC IT Faculty said, “TechnoGirls is a unique program because our students engage directly with the high school students and open their minds to how technology can empower them to play a leading role in the future of this country. We are very privileged to have the support of technology giants like HP, Intel and Microsoft. They bring their global expertise and in-depth knowledge to help us shape the content and impact of this program”.
Nasser Nathoa - General Manager GCC, Intel Corporation, commented that Knowledge is the source of comparative advantage in today's global economy. “Technology enables the rapid evolution of ideas and industries, and those who benefit most are those who can innovate and adapt most quickly. “For these reasons, success at the individual, and ultimately the national level, is linked to the quality of education. Students must develop key 21st century skills such as digital literacy, problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration,” he concluded