Greetings to all of you wonderful Rivers people and welcome to another episode of Rivethics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that women empowerment is not a cliché: When strong women raise strong girls, amazing things happens in all spheres. Our topic this week is Women in Technology.
In 2016, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) adopted an Action Plan to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development by closing the digital gender gap and harnessing the transformative potential of Information and Communications Technologies for women’s empowerment (including girls).
The broad aims of the Action Plan are:
• Develop gender-responsive strategies and policies.
• Ensure access to ICT by women and mitigate the online risks that hinder women’s access to the use of technology.
• Build digital capacities and support development of content, applications and
services that meet women’s needs.
• Promote women in the technology sector, including in positions of decision-making.
• Establish multi-stakeholder partnerships.
This Action Plan operates in the light of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and several other international protocols and stresses the importance of women’s ‘equal and meaningful participation in the digital society’ for the realisation of women’s rights in the 21st century. In addition, it will deliver significant benefits to the wider economy and society.
Initiatives that support knowledge development in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) must be vigorously and aggressively promoted by National Governments (State Governments and Communities as well) in order to achieve an effective bridging of the Digital Gender Divide, especially in developing nations. The Rivers State ICT Centre, popularly known as Tech Creek, among other similar initiatives in the State and across the country, has been doing a great job in grooming youths (women inclusive) to acquire the important skills necessary to stay relevant in the global digital ecosystem. This is a welcome development and highly commendable. Families and individuals, especially women should see the need for deliberate and intentional self-education and continual personal development in relevant ICT areas towards narrowing the wide digital gender gap that exists presently.
Our guest speaker today is a young and enthusiastic advocate of Women in Technology and Tech Blogger, Ms. Akelachi Kejeh. She will be shedding more light on the topic. Please enjoy the episode.
Our lovely people of Rivers State, please remember to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.
From Her Excellency,
Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of His Excellency,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON. GSSRS. POS (Africa)
The Governor of Rivers State
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below