Girls in Tech attends CISCO's empowering 2026 Girls in ICT Day

The Tshwane University of Technology’s Girls in Tech recently attended the Girls in ICT Day 2026: Empower Her Summit, Global Voices for Tomorrow, hosted by Cisco WISE South Africa in Midrand. Young women and technology professionals attended the event to explore opportunities in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), innovation and STEM fields.

During the summit, students took part in workshops, live demonstrations and networking sessions with women working in the technology sector. The experience exposed them to new technologies while providing opportunities for learning, mentorship and career development.

The summit was more than an event for the Girls in Tech attendees, it was also an opportunity to connect with like-minded innovators and gain insight into the growing world of digital careers. The programme highlighted the importance of representation and demonstrated how young women can actively shape the future of technology.

Rehauhetswe Shai, a Diploma in IT student, said: “The overall experience at Cisco was informative and practical. We were introduced to Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) concepts, including wireless access points, IP phones and other networking components. A key highlight was being shown how data packets are traced between two access points in a simulated train station environment, which helped us understand how real-world network communication works and how devices interact within a connected system.”

“Programmes like this provide exposure to industry practices, build confidence in technical environments and encourage women in ICT to actively participate in technology-driven careers. It creates opportunities for networking, mentorship and exposure to real industry tools and environments. It also helps build confidence in a field that is still largely male-dominated, empowering women to grow their skills, stay motivated and see themselves as capable future leaders in technology,” she said.

Events like the Girls in ICT Day summit contribute to and play a significant role in bridging the digital divide and encouraging greater participation of young women in ICT and innovation-driven careers. By creating platforms that celebrate talent, build confidence and expand access to knowledge, these initiatives help nurture the next generation of technology leaders.

Girls in Tech thanked Cisco WISE South Africa for hosting a meaningful and empowering summit that inspired young women to pursue their ambitions in technology and innovation.

The future of tech is brighter when more young women are empowered to lead, innovate and create.