By Sizwe Dlamini
In a bid to close the gender gap in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has this year, awarded its prestigious Girls in ICT Scholarships to two outstanding young women, Sihlelelwe Siyaya and Nomvelo Ngwenya.
ESCCOM Chief Executive Mvilawemphi Dlamini made the announcement during a ceremony held at the Commission’s head offices in Mbabane.
Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2022, four girls have been selected for this transformative opportunity. The scholarships aim to support female students from disadvantaged and rural backgrounds, enabling them to pursue tertiary education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The Ministry of Education was represented by Acting Principal Secretary Ms. Naniki Mnisi, while the Ministry of ICT was represented by Acting Director of Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Gugu Msane.
Dlamini highlighted the significance of the scholarship programme during the ceremony. “It is with great honour and pride that I stand before you today to award the ESCCOM Girls in ICT Scholarship to two exceptional young women who are poised to make a significant impact in the field of ICT,” he said.
He noted that Section 6(i) of the ESCCOM Act mandates the Commission to promote efficient management and human resource development within the communications industry. This includes advancing technology and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of gender.
The fully funded Girls in ICT Scholarship Programme was introduced in 2022 to address the under-representation of women in ICT careers and to contribute to national development goals. The programme covers tertiary fees for female students pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Dlamini emphasized that the scholarships are aimed at young women from disadvantaged and rural backgrounds. He referenced the World Bank Eswatini Country Economic Memorandum 2024, which highlights uneven education access and challenges in student retention, particularly in science and mathematics.
“These scholarships are not merely financial assistance but an investment in a brighter future,” Dlamini continued. “Each beneficiary has demonstrated remarkable talent, dedication, and potential, as reflected in their academic results and performance during the rigorous selection process. Your capabilities are evident, and your future contributions to the prosperity of this country depend on your commitment to making the most of this opportunity.”
The ESCCOM Girls in ICT Scholarships are a vital step toward closing the gender gap in ICT and fostering the next generation of leaders in this critical field.