Tinaani Nyabereka
GWERU- Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) in partnership with government last week hosted the International Girls in ICT commemorations where echoes were made on enhancing the participation of girls in Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Speaking at the engagement last week, POTRAZ director Gift Machengete said in as much as the country was driving towards the empowerment of the girl child, there was also need to embrace the boy child to address gender disparities.
“The boy child should not been left out because boys also have the much needed ICT skills. Let us therefore be wary of neglecting the boy child so much that we would end up having a problem where the boys are far much behind while their female counterparts will be far ahead of them.
“Potraz has embarked a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing ICT access to all especially in the marginalized communities. As POTRAZ, we believe in inclusivity and in leaving no one behind, which is why we have been rolling out information centres in communities. While our efforts are all-inclusive, statistics released by the United Nations shows that women and girls use the internet 12.5 percent less than men and boys, with some 46 percent of boys accessing the internet on their phones, compared to 27 percent of girls,” he said.
He further said girls access digital technology at a later age than boys.
Guest speaker Information, Postal and Courier Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said it was estimated that 5 million jobs would be lost by 2030 due to replacement by ICT systems.
“As we implement the girls in ICT and bridge the digital gender divide, it is important that we create the appropriate environment and policy realignment to sustain the interest of not only young girls but their male counterparts as well.
“My Ministry will work hard to ensure the availability of ICT infrastructure throughout the country to help provide internet connectivity and equip schools as well as various community information centres as information technology is going to overtake the traditional jobs by the year 2030,” he said.
Regina Mundi High School Priest-In -Charge, Rev Father Gilbert Chibhira said girls suffered most through the use social media platforms and hence the programme was an eye opener to the leaners.
“This day will open up the eyes of these young female leaners who we feel are abused through social media platforms. We hope this interaction will open up their eyes.
“Under the theme Access and Safety”-Ensuring every girl has safe and meaningful access to digital technology and ICT with over 150 careers in the technology sector,” said Chibhira.
The International Girls in ICT Day was set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to inspire and empower young women and girls to take up ICT careers and become active participants in the information industry.
