The digital gender divide remains a significant barrier to achieving gender equality, especially in the wake of the 4th Industrial Revolution, which is driving rapid advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, ensuring that women are not left behind is critical for fostering innovation and growth.
Two experts in the field, Shirley Gladys Nakyejwe, a Senior ICT Officer and Intellectual Property Specialist at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT&NG), and Peninah Susan, a lawyer, while appearing on a local TV on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, offered their perspectives on this pressing issue.
According to Peninah, safeguarding digital rights is essential for fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem. She emphasizes that privacy, freedom of expression, access to information, intellectual property rights, and digital literacy are key pillars that protect individuals’ freedoms in the digital world.
“These rights are not just legal frameworks but also ethical guidelines that ensure everyone, especially women, can navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently,” she said.
Nakyejwe underscored the urgency of empowering women as the world transitions into the 4th Industrial Revolution.
She noted that women possess immense innovative potential, which can drive economic and social progress.
“We cannot afford to miss out on the innovative potential of women,” Nakyejwe said.
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She highlighted the need to provide women with the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive in the digital age, ensuring they are not discouraged from participating in ICT-driven fields.
By addressing the digital gender divide and promoting digital rights, one can create a more equitable and inclusive future where women are active contributors to technological advancements.
Empowering women in the digital space is not only a matter of justice but also a catalyst for sustainable development.
