STAFF REPORTER
WOMEN achievements cannot be celebrated if they are disconnected from the digital space. This was revealed in a keynote address given during Chipinge District Commemoration of the International Women’s Day which was held on 29 March 2023 at Chisumbanje Primary School in Chipinge.
The commemorations focused on exploring the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities and the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.
Addressing delegates at the commemorations which were held under the theme; “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” the Guest of Honour Superintendent Ireen Makondo indicated that women are very strong and need to be celebrated through roping them into the digital space.
“A gender-responsive approach to innovation, technology and digital education can increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights and civic engagement. Advancements in digital technology offer immense opportunities to address development and humanitarian challenges, and to achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals.
“Unfortunately, the opportunities of the digital revolution also present a risk of perpetuating existing patterns of gender inequality. Growing inequalities are becoming increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies, with women being left behind as the result of this digital gender divide. The need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education is therefore crucial for a sustainable future,” she said.
The commemorations suggested that women and girls should not be left out in digital aspects such e-commerce, e-banking, e-learning and further recommend that investment and entrepreneurship should be inclusive of women.