Forum for African Women Educators (FAWE) Ghana, a leading advocate for girls’ education and empowerment, is leading efforts to bridge the ICT gender gap. Photo source: moe.gov.gh
As the world celebrates International Day of the Girl in ICT with the theme ‘Leadership’, stakeholders in Ghana are calling for greater participation and equal opportunities for girls and women in technology.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 21% of ICT ministers worldwide are women, highlighting a significant gender gap in leadership roles in the sector.
Furthermore, of the 165 ICT regulatory authorities worldwide, only 32 are headed by women. These statistics highlight the urgent need for initiatives to promote female representation and leadership in ICT.
In Ghana, the situation mirrors the global trend, with women occupying less than a third of private sector jobs and facing a 21% pay gap compared to their male counterparts. Recognizing the challenges posed by these gender inequalities, stakeholders are advocating for concrete measures to address them.
The Forum for African Women in Education (FAWE) Ghana, a leading advocate for girls’ education and empowerment, is leading efforts to bridge the gender gap in the ICT sector. On World Girls in ICT Day, FAWE Ghana is highlighting the importance of providing equal opportunities and pay for women aspiring to hold leadership roles in ICT institutions.
“We need to focus on mentoring and empowering more girls and young women in ICT,” said a spokesperson for FAWE Ghana. “It’s not just about equipping them with technical skills but also about cultivating the leadership skills they need to take on key positions in the industry.”
FAWE Ghana recommends that government, through the Ministries of Education and Communication, accelerate initiatives to promote girls’ participation in ICT education and employment. By harnessing ICT as a tool to bridge the digital gender divide, Ghana can achieve a balance of socio-economic and political development.
“Each of us has a role to play in bridging the gender gap in the ICT sector,” added the spokesperson. “As we continue to transform the digital space, FAWE Ghana remains committed to working with stakeholders to make greater strides in empowering girls and women in the technology industry.”
On this International Girls in ICT Day, FAWE Ghana says it extends its best wishes to all girls and young women pursuing careers in ICT and reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equality and empowerment in its technology sector Ghana.
Read FAWE’s statement in detail below.
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