This year, the Sisters of Code once again joined the global movement to empower girls and young women in information and communication technology (ICT) and celebrated the “International Day of Girls in ICT”. Under the motto “Leadership”, the “Sisters of Code” organized a celebration in Cambodia on 20 April 2024. Over 60 girls and women took part. This day was established by the International Telecommunication Union and is celebrated in over 150 countries around the world to promote the participation of girls and young women in information technology.
Three guest speakers described their own careers in the tech industry at the event:
Ms. Kim Tol Tan, Founder and CEO of Grow4Growth Consultant: Ms. Tan’s interactive session was inspiring and included hands-on activities. Under her guidance, participants actively reflected on their leadership skills and explored opportunities for personal growth.
Ms Fat Si Em, Head of Transport Planning and Optimization at a telecommunications company: Ms. Em was accompanied by her daughter, delivering a double dose of inspiration. The perseverance of Ms. Em, who has been the only woman in her field since 2009, deeply impressed the audience. Today she leads a team of network engineers, all of whom are men. Fat Sie Em has two children. Her message of believing in yourself, being kind to people and creating a supportive environment is an amazing example of female leadership in the technology industry in Cambodia.
Ms. Phen Phalideth, Sisters of Code Alumna: Ms. Phalideth’s journey is an example of the power of perseverance. Originally from a rural area in Cambodia, she defied various limitations to pursue her passion for IT. She eventually graduated with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Edinburgh Napier University. She is also a Sisters of Code ambassador and an active member of the community, sharing her knowledge with other women and girls.
Pius Frick, LED Country Coordinator in Cambodia , emphasized the importance of Sisters of Code: “Entrenched gender stereotypes and adverse circumstances continue to make it difficult for young women in Cambodia to get excited about technology. That’s why the Sisters of Code are so important – they inspire, encourage and provide a safe space for personal and technical education. They form a network of dedicated women in technical professions who open doors for aspiring women in the tech industry. The importance of such role models cannot be overstated. It’s great what the Sisters of Code are doing!”
