Marking the International Girls in ICT Day, we share the journey of a Future Skills Academy learner

“Girls in technology are innovators, changemakers and architects of the future.” Habiba, 23. 

In a world where outdated stereotypes still shape perceptions of who belongs in tech, 23-year-old Habiba Mostafa, from Egypt, is choosing to define her own path, with confidence and determination. 

A final-year student in Computer and Systems Engineering, Habiba did not enter the field of information and communications technology (ICT) out of curiosity alone. Her motivation runs deeper. “When I realized that technology could solve real problems in people’s lives, I knew this is where I belong,” she says. 

The journey, however, has not been without challenges. In a field often perceived as male-dominated, Habiba, like many others, was told that technology “is not for girls.” Instead of internalizing that message, she turned it into motivation. “I focused on developing myself to prove that passion and hard work are what truly matter. Today, that belief has become a source of strength and confidence,” she reflects. 

Persistence defines Habiba’s story. A continuous pursuit of learning, adapting, and pushing forward, even when the path felt uncertain. Over time, she strengthened her technical skills and reshaped how she sees herself and her future. 

A pivotal turning point came when she joined the Future Skills Academy. There, she combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on, project-based learning under the guidance of industry experts. “The Academy gave me a clearer vision of my future and greater confidence in my ability to keep going,” she says.