DODOMA, September 8, 2026:
Girls taking part in an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Bootcamp at Msalato Girls Secondary School in Dodoma have begun exploring how gender perceptions can influence their participation in technology, while learning how digital skills can be used to address real challenges facing their communities.
The Bootcamp is part of a project implemented by UNESCO in collaboration with Beijing Normal University (BNU) and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, aimed at promoting gender-transformative digital skills education and increasing girls’ participation in technology and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The first day of the Bootcamp opened with a simple but thought-provoking question: “What is sex? What is gender?”
The question sparked a discussion among the students, who shared their understanding and experiences before examining how gender roles and expectations affect their daily lives, education and access to technology.
Through the discussions, the students were encouraged to reflect on who does what, who makes decisions and who has access to opportunities at home and at school.
They also examined how social and cultural beliefs can influence the way girls view technology and their own ability to pursue careers in ICT and other STEM-related fields.
Challenging stereotypes
A major part of the training focused on challenging stereotypes that can discourage girls from participating in science and technology.
Among the perceptions discussed were the beliefs that science and technology are mainly for boys and that women are less suited to leadership positions.
Such attitudes can affect girls’ confidence, educational choices and future career opportunities, particularly in fields related to STEM.
The training therefore encourages girls to recognise these barriers and understand that their gender should not determine their ability to learn, create or lead in technology.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of addressing the digital gender gap, particularly in relation to access to ICT, the cost of technology and the knowledge and skills required to use digital tools effectively.
Technology for real-life solutions
The Bootcamp has gone beyond teaching students how to use digital devices. It is also helping them understand how technology can be applied to solve problems in education, the economy and access to essential services.
One of the areas explored by the students was the relationship between gender, ICT and water services.
The students discussed how digital technology can support the monitoring of water use, reporting of broken water infrastructure and leakages, identifying areas experiencing water shortages and using information to better understand and plan for water needs.
The exercise is intended to help the girls see technology not simply as a tool for communication or learning, but as a practical means of developing solutions to challenges affecting people in their communities.
From technology users to innovators
Another key message from the Bootcamp is the need for girls to move beyond being consumers of technology and become active creators and innovators.
The students are encouraged to contribute ideas, design and test solutions, work together and explore ways in which technology can respond to challenges affecting their schools and communities.
This approach is intended to build not only digital skills, but also confidence, creativity, problem-solving abilities and leadership among girls.
The UNESCO-BNU project places emphasis on creating opportunities for girls to develop practical digital skills and participate in activities that can strengthen their interest and confidence in technology and STEM.
For the girls at Msalato, the first day of the Bootcamp has therefore marked the beginning of a wider journey—one that seeks to change the way they see themselves in the digital world.
From discussing gender roles to exploring how ICT can help address challenges such as water access, the students are beginning to see technology as a tool for innovation, empowerment and social change.
The broader goal is to ensure that girls are not left behind in the digital transformation, but are equipped to participate, innovate and help shape the future of technology in Tanzania.
For the girls of Msalato, the digital journey has begun.
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