Women’s participation in the high-growth information and communication technology (ICT) industry remains at low levels, with South Africa’s representation far below the global average of less than 30% of women in the sector.

Telecommunications giant MTN says that, despite gender diversity being a critical component to the growth of the ICT sector, young women are not receiving the support or encouragement needed to enter the sector.

“Young women, and those already in the profession, need strong mentors to inspire them, and, importantly, also to add their unique perspectives to the development of products,” says MTN South Africa corporate affairs executive Jacqui O’Sullivan.

Only 13% of South African graduates in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are women, she explains. The company recently announced its 2018 MTN Women in ICT – Partnership for Change Awards.

The awards, now in their third year, aim to help close gender gaps and set more women on the path to ICT careers.

“We believe that an even greater impact can be made if we work together towards unlocking the potential of women professionals in the sector. Initiatives like the MTN Women in ICT – Partnership for Change Awards are one way [in which] we can contribute to this,” O’Sullivan says.

“Without this perspective, future design and innovation will simply not be able to talk to the broader market out there, of which women are a key component.”

The awards comprise the Leadership Recognition Award, which recognises senior female executives in the sector whose “proven depth of experience in leading change, influencing business outcomes and leading teams has impacted positively on the organisations they lead”.

The CEO’s Award will recognise an MTN employee who has made a difference in the organisation using ICT and technology, while the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Recognition Award recognises wholly owned, women-run enterprises and internal MTN employees who drive small startups using ICT to enable their businesses.

The Innovator Recognition Award recognises women who have introduced new methods, ideas or products that are contributing in some form towards the vision of a bold, new digital world.

The Graduate Award recognises a top ICT graduate from a tertiary institution who finished top of her class during the year immediately preceding the awards ceremony.

Other awards include the Community Builder Recognition Award; the Lifetime Achiever Recognition Award; the Excellence in ICT Journalism Award; and the Public’s Choice Award.