Nation makes deliberate efforts to include women in ICT

Mutsawashe Mushandure-Herald Reporter

IN a move aimed at bridging the digital divide, the Government has launched the 4Es initiative—which stand for education, empowerment, elevation, and encouragement—to promote women’s participation in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

The initiative is part of the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Service’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital era, reinforcing the Government’s focus on universal development.

At the third annual Women in ICT Zimbabwe Conference, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera highlighted the strides the country has made with the Giga project.

This ambitious initiative seeks to provide connectivity to schools across the country, tackle language barriers, and address other challenges hindering digital access.

“The Giga project is not just about connectivity; it’s about creating opportunities for our youth and particularly empowering women in ICT,” said Minister Mavetera.

She also announced plans for an Acceleration Centre that will be hosted within the Giga project, focusing specifically on advancing Fish Intelligence, which aims to foster innovation and research within the ICT space.

“We have realised that many organisations need to encourage participation in ICT programmes, especially in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields,” she said, underscoring the need for a more inclusive approach.

In a recent development, President Mnangagwa launched a digital skills programmes aimed at fostering collaboration among various sectors, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind in the quest for digital inclusion.

“We are excited that women are now taking a more active role in ICT. The establishment of a Women in ICT Chamber is a vital step towards bridging the ICT gap,” she said.

Minister Mavetera said while the initiative is focused on women, it does not exclude men.

“By attracting investors, we can develop and advance ICT systems. We are also providing scholarships to support the girl child in acquiring ICT skills,” she said, emphasising the Government’s commitment to a balanced approach.

The Minister also highlighted efforts to enhance internet connectivity for women, especially in rural areas, where access remains a challenge.

“The rules and regulations apply equally to everyone, including telecom players. All companies, regardless of size, are required to comply with the same regulations,” she said.

In light of growing cybersecurity concerns, the Government has introduced new regulations aimed at training data protection officers to safeguard people’s data.

“We are in the process of establishing a Security Operations Centre that will ensure the safety of our nation by monitoring activities in real-time,” Minister Mavetera said.

Collaboration is seen as a key challenge in strengthening partnerships and information exchange, which are crucial for the success of the Giga project and the broader digitalisation of the economy.

At the conference, Mrs Joyce Beza from the Computer Society of Zimbabwe emphasised the importance of equipping young learners with ICT skills from an early age.

“Our STEM programmes span from lower grades to higher education, designed to nurture skills that students can carry into their future careers,” she said.

Ms Ruvarashe Chikunya, an alumni of Chinhoyi University of Technology, called for more women to explore opportunities in the ICT field.

“Confidence is crucial. Women are just as capable as men, if not more. The industry is becoming increasingly inclusive,” she said.

Mrs Blessing Moyo, an ICT professional, stressed the importance of introducing girls to technology early on to bridge the gender gap.

“When I was in university, the field was predominantly male. We need to ensure girls grow up confident and familiar with technology,” she said.

The discussions and initiatives underscore ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and skills development within the ICT sector, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in technology.

Government’s commitment to empowering women in ICT is not just a policy; it is a vital strategy for national development and economic growth.