Johannesburg – Despite rapid advancements in global technology, women still make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
To challenge this divide and ensure young women were also at the forefront of the digital revolution, HONOR partnered with the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT) last week, on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to host a landmark event .
Anchored under the theme “AI for Development – Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” the initiative was designed to expand access, build critical digital skills, and inspire girls to become the next generation of innovators in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
The partnership focuses on equipping, empowering, and elevating an empowered generation of women to unlock opportunities and drive innovation in a changing digital economy.
The event officially opened with a welcome address from Zhou Lefeng, CEO of HONOR South Africa, who set the tone for the day by encouraging the young attendees to embrace possibility and innovation.
“Being young is defined by possibility. It is a time to think boldly, to remain open to new ideas and to recognise that you are not only the future of tomorrow, but active contributors to today,” said Lefeng.
“We encourage you to be innovative, to challenge boundaries and to embrace the opportunities before you with confidence and purpose.”
The event, which kicked off with pens out and notebooks open, brought together government officials, industry executives, and eager young minds ready to write the future.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, emphasised the critical need for inclusive growth within the sector.
“To truly transform the future of our country and the tech industry, we must open the doors wide for young women to enter and lead these spaces,” stated Minister Malatsi.
“My dream is to see more women rise to prominence in the ICT sector.
“Too often, young people believe the world ends at the borders of their own communities.
“Platforms like this are vital because they break down those boundaries, opening eyes to a world of new possibilities and proving that success in this industry is well within their reach.”
Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of ACT, echoed this visionary sentiment, urging the young attendees to embrace curiosity and look beneath the surface of modern technology.
“The moment you step out of your yard, you must think of greatness and the change you want to drive,” Batyi shared during her welcome address.
“As the great author John Maxwell said, a person’s attitude, more than their aptitude, determines their success or ‘altitude’ in life.
“It is about looking beyond merely using AI to understand the backend that drives it.
“Be deeply curious, ask bold questions, and know that even if you don’t have all the answers yet, today is about giving you the tools to find them.”
The comprehensive, day-long programme provided participants with both inspiration and actionable skills.
