IWD Conclave 2024, is being organized by Women in Information Technology (WIIT) in collaboration with Prime IT Club  on 2nd March 2024 at Prime College, Khusibun, Kathmandu, honoring the contribution to International Women's Day 2024, celebrated globally on March 8th under the theme "Invest in women: Accelerate Progress."

This conclave theme is in line with the International theme which underscores the critical role of investing in women and girls as a powerful catalyst for driving positive change across all aspects of society while also recognizing the indispensable role of men as co-partners in advancing gender equality in ICT. So, the theme of IWD Conclave 2024 is “Invest in Her: Men as co-partners to empower Women in ICT”.

Across the world, the ICT sector holds immense potential for economic growth and development. However, women remain underrepresented in this rapidly evolving field. Recognizing this gap, our program aligns with the IWD 2024 theme by exploring the crucial role men can play as co-partners in empowering women to grow and sparkle in the ICT sector. By bringing together diverse voices, the "Invest in Her" program aims to foster discussions, share insights, and build a collective commitment towards creating an inclusive and empowering environment for women in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

To give this initiative a substantial form, this event converged students and teachers, dignitaries, professionals, organizations, and institutions to actively participate, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a role to play in promoting gender equality in ICT. This conclave touched the socio-economic aspects ranging from younger to older generation.

It is planned that the event will be honored by the gracious presence of Honorable Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ms. Sunita Dangol as chief guest for the event. Similarly, Mr Anand Raj Khanal, Chairman of Nepal Digital Leads, Fellow Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) Hawaii, USA and Former Senior Director of Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA will be the special guest for the event.

The keynote speaker of this event are Ms. Sunaina Gimire Pandey, Women ICT ICON 2023 (Winner of ICT Award 2023 Living with ICT), is a Managing Director of General Technology Pvt. Ltd. and former VP CAN federation Nepal along with Mr. Sanjog Thakuri, President of Hami Dajuvai & Goodwill Ambassador of Male Leader Network, Ministry of Women Children and senior Citizen.

Getting to the core of IWD Conclave 2024, the six sets of round table discussions will be held to discuss in the areas of mentorship and network enhancement, inclusive work environment, advcatign for gender equality in ICT education, funding and investment, Men’s march in promoting gender equality in ICT sector  along with tackling promoting multi-stakehodler collaboration.

It is anticipated that this event will support in recognizing multifaceted nature of the challenge and seeks to address it through collaborative efforts, education, and networking. Such initiatives are crucial for fostering women leadership in a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable ICT landscape.

WIIT believes that this conclave is the first to address gender imbalances in Nepalese ICT and male pivotal role for brining changes. Further, WIIT pledges on the follow-up activities like workshops, mentorship programs, and advocacy campaigns tailored to diverse male and female audiences. WIIT aims to make “Invest in Her” an event to fire up definitive initiatives from men to empower girls and women in ICT.