SYDNEY MUBAIWA

MIDANDS BUREAU

GWERU – Girls have a big disadvantage compared to boys when it comes to the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) with a 12,5% less access to internet.

This was said by Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) director Gift Machengete during an International Girls in ICT Commemoration event held at Regina Mundi High in Gweru on Friday.

Speakers at the event therefore called for an increase in the participation of girls in ICTs as they have become an integral part of daily life

Machengete said that in addition, more boys have access to internet on their phones than girls. Girls also get exposed to internet later in life than boys and they are also more vulnerable to abuse on the digital platforms.

The theme of the commemorations was; Access and Safety – ensuring every girl has safe and meaningful access to digital technology and ICTs.

“While our efforts are all-inclusive, statistics released by the United Women, show 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.

“The study further reveals that girls access digital technology at a later age than boys and their use of this technology is more often curtailed by their parents,” said Machengete.

The International Girls in ICT Day which was attended by various schools from the Midlands Province’s eight districts was set aside by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to inspire and empower young women and girls to take up ICT careers.

The day was organized by the International Telecommunications Union, the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Postal Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz).

Postal and Courier Services Minister Jenfan Muswere who was the guest speaker said that there are 5 000 000 traditional jobs that will be replaced by ICT systems by 2030.

“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 ensure the availability of ICT infrastructure throughout the country to provide internet connectivity and equip schools and various community information centers as information technology is going to overtake the traditional jobs by the year 2030,” he said.

Regina Mundi Priest-In-Charge Rev Father Gilbert Chibhira said it was an honour for the school to host such an event. He said all the Catholic schools in Gweru Diocese will be connected to the internet to address information gaps.https://masvingomirror.com