AWON harps must bridge the gender technology development gap
The Association of Women Orientation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria (AWON) has called on government and other stakeholders to close the gender gap in access to technology for equal development.
AWON said the nation as a whole has more to gain in many ways if more women and girls are helped and supported to have equal access in the fields of information technology and development.< /p>
The group made the call during the press conference to announce their event to celebrate International Women's Day 2023 in Ibadan.
The theme for the commemoration of the year is "DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality"
Speaking, AWON President Comrade Adekemi Akintade said gender equity is important as it ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender, as opportunities employment, health care and other resources, as well as protection from discrimination, harassment and violence.
“It also promotes social and economic development by enabling women and marginalized groups to fully participate in the labor market with their skills and talents. This can lead to increased productivity and economic growth.
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“Today, across the world, our lives depend on the technological integration in the areas of life and our economy starting from health, calling loved ones (communication), carrying out a banking transaction, the transport, the commercial transaction (trade) between women.
“Today, everything goes through a digital process. Meanwhile, the majority of women lack access to the internet, especially at the grassroots and in rural areas. Despite making up nearly half of the world's population, few who have access to them feel unsafe online.
“Thus, failing to develop the necessary digital skills reduces the opportunities for our girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields. 'by 2050, 75% of jobs will be STEM-centric,' she said.
According to the President of AWON, to achieve gender equity in technology development and innovation, the government and other stakeholders must overcome certain barriers to access to education and training:
“Encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM education and careers through mentorship, a training program and scholarships.
“Provide support, resources to women and girl (youth and adolescent) entrepreneurs, including access to finance, networking opportunities and mentorship. Promote and create an enabling environment in the workplace for women.
"Create policies and initiatives that promote work-life balance and flexible work arrangements, which can support women's participation in the tech workforce.
“Promote diverse, inclusive and welcoming employment practices for women and underrepresented groups. Create more community literacy centers for women and dropouts.
“Establish ICT centers in communities in urban and rural areas to encourage and stimulate the participation of children and women,” she said.
Other speakers, including Vice-President, Ms. Omobola Thompson and Ms. Christianah Asimolowo, emphasized the need to bridge the gap to foster gender equality so that women can thrive in their various fields .
The Association of Women Orientation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria (AWON) has called on government and other stakeholders to close the gender gap in access to technology for equal development.
AWON said the nation as a whole has more to gain in many ways if more women and girls are helped and supported to have equal access in the fields of information technology and development.< /p>
The group made the call during the press conference to announce their event to celebrate International Women's Day 2023 in Ibadan.
The theme for the commemoration of the year is "DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality"
Speaking, AWON President Comrade Adekemi Akintade said gender equity is important as it ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender, as opportunities employment, health care and other resources, as well as protection from discrimination, harassment and violence.
“It also promotes social and economic development by enabling women and marginalized groups to fully participate in the labor market with their skills and talents. This can lead to increased productivity and economic growth.
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“Today, across the world, our lives depend on the technological integration in the areas of life and our economy starting from health, calling loved ones (communication), carrying out a banking transaction, the transport, the commercial transaction (trade) between women.
“Today, everything goes through a digital process. Meanwhile, the majority of women lack access to the internet, especially at the grassroots and in rural areas. Despite making up nearly half of the world's population, few who have access to them feel unsafe online.
“Thus, failing to develop the necessary digital skills reduces the opportunities for our girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields. 'by 2050, 75% of jobs will be STEM-centric,' she said.
According to the President of AWON, to achieve gender equity in technology development and innovation, the government and other stakeholders must overcome certain barriers to access to education and training:
“Encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM education and careers through mentorship, a training program and scholarships.
“Provide support, resources to women and girl (youth and adolescent) entrepreneurs, including access to finance, networking opportunities and mentorship. Promote and create an enabling environment in the workplace for women.
"Create policies and initiatives that promote work-life balance and flexible work arrangements, which can support women's participation in the tech workforce.
“Promote diverse, inclusive and welcoming employment practices for women and underrepresented groups. Create more community literacy centers for women and dropouts.
“Establish ICT centers in communities in urban and rural areas to encourage and stimulate the participation of children and women,” she said.
Other speakers, including Vice-President, Ms. Omobola Thompson and Ms. Christianah Asimolowo, emphasized the need to bridge the gap to foster gender equality so that women can thrive in their various fields .
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