Editor,

Re: "Digital inclusion for women: First Lady urges girls to be bold” (The New Times, October 21).

It was encouraging to read about the call by the First Lady Mrs. Jeannette Kagame that girls should take up studies and careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The Transform Africa 2015 Summit has highlighted and deliberated upon various issues, concerns and opportunities in the ICT sector.

Rwanda, as a nation, always strives for excellence across various parameters be it in terms of ease of doing business, good governance or even as far as safety and security is concerned.

It is therefore not surprising that the Gallup International Report ranked Rwanda as the fourth safest country in the world, after only Singapore, Hong Kong and Norway.

Digital inclusion is the roadmap for the bold and beautiful young ladies of this great country who also need to "be curious and never doubt (their) own ability to change things for the better” as so very rightly explained by the First Lady.

Innovation is the buzz word today.

I recall my very first meeting with the founder of Hehe Limited some years ago, who was still in college then. Today this young lady (Clarisse Iribagiza) has made her mark in the world of ICT, using her innovation, her determination and hard work to excel in her field of specialization.

At the bottom of each individual’s effort, of course, is the support and encouragement received from the Ministry of Youth and ICT and organisations like the Imbuto Foundation which enable the leaders of tomorrow to reach greater heights.

Clarence Fernandes