Microsoft Gulf hosts region's first 'DigiGirlz Day' in partnership with Dubai Women's College

The goal is to educate and inspire girls by introducing them to the many opportunities and career choices available in the high-tech industry.

In addition, Microsoft hopes that this initiative will encourage more young women to pursue degrees and careers in computing science and computer engineering, with the ultimate goal of narrowing the gender gap in the industry.

"Microsoft's goal is to inspire a young generation with technology and encourage them to contribute towards the development of a knowledge society. DigiGirlz is an effort to show high-school girl students what the technology industry is all about, what careers are available and to let them see how exciting it is to create something that can truly impact a large number of people," said Dr. Zaki Khoury, Education and Citizenship Lead, Microsoft Gulf.

"We try to give them a broad view of the technology and the products we create, and want these girls to know that IT is not just for boys or geeks. Technology innovation is for everyone. DigiGirlz is just one of Microsoft's many initiatives and programs that aim to educate and attract female talent," he added.

Microsoft also continues to actively partner with universities and national organizations to increase the representation of women in computer-related majors by changing the image of computing and creating opportunities attractive to girl students.

Dr. Behjat Al Yousef, Chair of the Center for Women and Technology for the Arab World and Associate Director, Dubai Women's College added, "Our aim is to reach out to high school girls who are one of our target populations in our efforts to increase female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs. By hosting an event such as DigiGirlz, we aim to empower students to build successful careers for themselves and educate them on technology. DigiGirlz is an example of our strong partnership with Microsoft and we look forward to a continuous long-term association with them to inspire more females in the region to join a science and technology career force."

Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf also pointed out that the DigiGirlz event is a result of the recommendations made by the Center for Women and Technology in the Arab World (CWTAR), which was inaugurated last November at Dubai Women's College. According to the CWTAR plan, the DigiGirlz model in Dubai is to be adopted by five Arab countries as part of a three year plan under the educational framework to increase the engagement of girls with technology.

During the event, students also had the opportunity to interact with Microsoft employees and managers to gain exposure to careers in business and technology and to get an inside look at what it is like to work at Microsoft.

The platform also provided the girls with career planning assistance, information about technology and business roles, thought-provoking exercises and interaction with some of Microsoft's most exciting technology tools and entertainment devices such as the future Windows 7 and Worldwide Telescope. To add color to this topic, the girls also took part in hands-on sessions and workshops to learn computer skills such as website development; movie-making; blogging etc.

200 students from grades 9-12 from15 selected schools participated at this year's event. Another 50 participants from Dubai Women's College were also present to provide mentorship to their younger colleagues. This year's event was also supported by Dell, HP and Sony.