Walkathon Marks International Girls in ICT Day 2025
In a vibrant celebration of International Girls in ICT Day 2025, Women in Information Technology (WIIT), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Yala and Shree Harisiddhi Secondary School, organized a special walkathon today to inspire and empower young girls to pursue careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The event, part of a global initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aligned with this year’s theme: “Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation.” It aimed to raise awareness about the importance of girls’ participation in the digital economy, provide them with foundational ICT exposure, and foster community-wide support for digital inclusion.
Celebrating International Girls in ICT Day 2025, Women in Information Technology (WIIT), alongside the Rotary Club of Yala and Shree Harisiddhi Secondary School, hosted an inspiring walkathon to encourage girls to explore ICT careers.
Aligned with ITU’s global theme—“Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation”—the event promoted girls’ role in the digital economy, offered hands-on ICT exposure, and rallied community support for inclusivity.
Kicking off at 7:00 AM from Harisiddhi Secondary School, the walkathon route wound through key areas, including Gumja, Satah Pha, Samal Falcha, and Krishna Mandir, before culminating at Ni: Ba: Harisiddhi. Over 300 participants, including students from four schools—Harisiddhi Secondary School, Kshitiz Secondary School, Peoples Secondary School, and Vishow Bidhya Mandir—joined the rally. They were accompanied by local leaders, Scouts, members of Misa Pucha, and representatives from WIIT and the Rotary Club of Yala.
Prior to the walkathon, Roja Kiran Basukala, Deputy Director of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, delivered an inspiring speech on the significance of Girls in ICT Day and the critical role women play in the ICT sector. The event was officially flagged off by Dharmendra Shakya, President of the Rotary Club of Yala.
Following the walkathon, a series of motivational talks was held at Ni: Ba: Harisiddhi. Speakers included: Ms. Asha Devi Maharjan, Principal of Harisiddhi Secondary School, Ms. Pratikshya Pandey, CEO of Smart Cheli, Ms. Bandana Sharma, Head of the IT Department at Nepal Bank Limited; and Ms. Manjari Shakya, Deputy Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City (Chief Guest).
The cultural vibrancy of the event was highlighted by Misa Pucha members dressed in traditional Haku Potashi attire, with the rhythmic beats of Dhime Baja energizing the rally. Students carried motivational placards and chanted slogans advocating for gender equality in technology.
A placard competition among the participating schools added excitement, with Vishow Bidhya Mandir winning first place, followed by Peoples Secondary School and Harisiddhi Secondary School. Certificates and prizes were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Yala.
Minu Pradhan (WIIT) and the Rotary Club of Yala delivered the closing remarks. Refreshments were provided by the Rotary Club of Yala, and students returned to their respective schools by 9:30 AM.