GENEVA - The International Communication Union on Wednesday presents its 2012 World Telecommunication and Information Society Award to three eminent women, including Sun Yafang, chairperson of Chinese telecommunications equipment and services company -- Huawei.

The award was handed out ahead of the 2012 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on Thursday.

"Women and girls in ICT" was chosen as this year's main theme, which aimed to extending digital opportunities by providing avenues of advancement to professional women at the highest echelons of decision-making, and by encouraging young women to seek new careers within the sector.

Apart from Sun Yafang, the award also goes to President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez and American actress Geena Davis.

ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Toure said on the occasion, "We are focusing our efforts this year on women and girls, using the power of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide new digital opportunities to end discrimination, and to empower women and girls to participate fully in society."

"Girls and young women with ICT skills will find jobs that offer creativity, innovation, and entirely new ways of working. And encouraging girls into the technology industry will create a positive feedback loop -- in turn creating inspiring role models for the next generation," Toure said.