Girls can do anything.
That was the message behind an information technology competition held on Sunday at Otago Polytechnic.
In the morning, 10 year 10 pupils from three schools were introduced to the basics of computer programming, putting their skills to the test in the afternoon by completing an assignment in teams of two.
The aim was to "broaden the girls' horizons about what was possible" in IT and introduce them to study and career options, polytechnic information technology lecturer and competition organiser Joy Glasson said.
"If you enjoyed today, I would encourage you to follow up this field in the future," she told the girls from Blue Mountain College, Tapanui, Waitaki Girls' High School, Oamaru, and Columba College, Dunedin.
Women were "severely under-represented in IT student cohorts throughout the world", she said.
"Today is a wonderful opportunity for these girls to learn about IT, as well has having some fun along the way."
Although only a small number of pupils participated this year, Ms Glasson hoped the competition would be held annually and participation would grow.
At the prizegiving, 3D graphic artist Rachel Ryan, from Dunedin company Animation Research Ltd, talked about her study and career path and showed examples of the work she and other staff members had completed.
Columba pupils Mikaela Tyrrell and Jessica Elsom were first, with Emily McGimpsey and Shani Hayes, of Blue Mountain College, second and Caitlin Randell and Rebekah Cochrane, of Waitaki Girls High School, third.
