Empowering Girls through ICT: Insights from Kanemura Takayama at the International Girls ICT Day 2025 Event

On April 24th, 2025, the International Girls ICT Day event took place, organized by the international NGO Plan International in Setagaya, Tokyo. The theme for this year's gathering was "Embrace ICT to Open Your Future," aiming to challenge biases in the digital field and STEM education while empowering female students and stakeholders alike.

The event featured insightful discussions and a guest talk from Kanemura Takayama, a talented idol and writer, who shared her personal journey and the transformative power of ICT in her life. The primary goal was to encourage students to recognize the broadening opportunities that ICT presents, not only for technical roles but also in liberal arts fields.

Keynote Insights from Partner Companies

A significant portion of the event was dedicated to a panel discussion led by representatives from two partner companies: Mynavi Corporation and SAMURAI Corporation. Both companies shared valuable insights on how ICT skills are crucial for navigating today’s job market.

With programming education becoming mandatory in Japanese schools as of 2020 for elementary and 2021 for middle schools, along with upcoming requirements in the university entrance exams, students today find themselves in a transitional educational phase. The discussion highlighted findings from Plan International’s research, revealing that many students face what is termed a "programming complex," which deters them from embracing these essential skills.

Mynavi's Kitamura described his unconventional journey from a liberal arts background to a career in ICT, offering a relatable example for students apprehensive about programming. He encouraged attendees stating, "Do not shy away from opportunities simply because you think programming is beyond your reach. Embrace challenges with an open mind; there are paths available for everyone!"

In a similar vein, SAMURAI's Shimoze emphasized the importance of ICT literacy and provided practical steps to get started. "Start by familiarizing yourself with the apps and smartphones you use daily—learn, touch, and explore ICT around you. That is the first step in demystifying this field," he noted, energizing the audience to take actionable steps toward their ICT education.

Kanemura Takayama's Inspiring Journey

The event's highlight was undoubtedly the appearance of Kanemura Takayama, who brought to life the potential of ICT through her own stories. Despite initial fears and a non-technical background, she shared insights into her endeavors, particularly during her time as an idol, challenging herself to write a novel—an unexpected yet transformative experience that resonated strongly with the audience.

Kanemura recounted her experience with ICT when she ventured into creating her website without prior programming knowledge: "I realized that all it takes is the courage to start; diving into the unknown opens countless doors for growth and learning." Her honest reflections prompted many students to consider stepping out of their comfort zones.

Before concluding her speech, she addressed the younger generation, stating, "I participated in a workshop that encouraged me to attempt novel writing. Looking back, facing my insecurities led me to opportunities that could significantly shape my future. I hope today’s experience serves as a beacon for a brighter path ahead for all of you." Her encouraging words were a reminder of the value of pursuing personal passions and the impact of action on their futures.

Hands-On Programming Workshop

Following the keynote address and discussion panels, the event transitioned to a hands-on programming workshop. Collaborating with Sprix, a company specializing in educational content, students had the chance to dive into programming fundamentals through engaging projects, such as developing an omikuji (fortune-telling) web application utilizing AI tools.

The workshop not only illustrated how programming could open career paths but also engaged students in learning through practical application, reinforcing that programming does not have to be daunting.

Conclusion

The International Girls ICT Day aims to inspire girls and women to consider and pursue careers in the ICT field. Through events like this one, Plan International is dedicated to promoting gender equality and ensuring that all participants recognize the opportunities ahead of them. As we continue to foster environments conducive to learning ICT skills, the message remains clear: Empowering future generations through technology can pave the way to more choices in life and career.

For further information, visit Plan International's website.