Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development (ISISD) has charged Nigerian government at various levels and stakeholders to ensure digital empowerment of women and girls for societal development.
ISISD Coordinator, Funmi Falobi said that it is imperative for girls and women to embrace technology and be part of the digital and technology revolution going on around the world. This she said is very important because for development to be equitable, women and girls must not be left behind in the technology space .
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme titled “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” with #Embraceequity is a clarion call for government, policymakers, stakeholders, private sectors to look into how to bridge the gap in digital skills and education for women and girls and ensure gender parity. We can no longer leave the female gender behind anymore if we are actually seeking secure society where inclusion is germane'” she said.
She explained that the disparity in innovation, technology and digital knowledge has widen the economic and social inequalities.
“The United Nations has noted that 37 percent of women do not use the internet and that 259 million fewer women have access to the internet than men, despite accounting for nearly half of the world’s population.
“There is need for us to strive for a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that allows women and girls attain their full potential without limitations,” she said
Today, we celebrate women and girls around the world who are breaking the barriers and making impact. We celebrate women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education. And today, we charge all to embrace equity for the betterment of the society,” she urged.
While there is need for inclusion of women in the technology space, it is also important to tackle the problem of online violence against women. A study of 51 countries revealed 38 per cent of women had personally experienced online violence.
When we all come together to embrace equity; innovation, technology and digital education will increase the awareness of women and girls rights and civic engagement. This in turn, will lead to the attainment of the 2030 sustainable development goals.
