By Racheal N. Ngumi

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) was ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’.

The digital age has been one that has been characterized with change and progression that has seen great strides made in innovations and technology, which has contributed to how we live and engage. Women have been part of these great strides and untold contributions to which these accomplishments against all odds have made historical advancements in the technology sector.

Acknowledging the existing gender gaps in digital access will ensure and bring in a more inclusive culture where women can fully express themselves through their ideas, innovations and technology and in turn advance and strengthen their growth and development. Having women participate and take lead in their decision-making provides a space for their representation in their education, careers, health etc. Having them represented in these spaces, for instance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) will address gender inequity challenges and barriers they experience and will encourage and empower them towards tech design and innovation.

Further growth and development in digital technology is opening new doors for the global empowerment of women, girls and other marginalized groups. From gender-responsive digital learning to tech-facilitated healthcare and financial related technology, the digital age represents an opportunity to eliminate all forms of disparity and 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. Furthermore, addressing barriers such as the pervasive threat of online gender-based violence coupled with a lack of legal recourse will make great advances towards providing a preventive and responsive approach that will further address and acknowledge the challenges they face in the digital spaces they occupy.

Adopting a gender-responsive approach to innovation, technology and digital education can increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights and engagement. Advancements in digital technology offer immense opportunities to address their growth and development and as a result achieve the Sustainable Development Goals set on gender equality.

We call upon YOU to power on in the efforts YOU have made in the digital world. To make it safer, more inclusive and more equitable for women and girls. To encourage their participation and empower them toward making great innovations and technology.