Invest in Girls in ICT

The United Nations believes women and girls who are given career opportunities in the digital information, communications and technology industry (ICT) can make significant contributions to the workplace.

ICT is revolutionizing the human experience and transforming lives around the world, yet many women in developing countries often find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide simply because of their gender.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, Richard Howard, said it is time for employers to close the digital divide which too often is propped up by gender inequality.

“Businesses that recruit women and give them the skills to use IT programs and data storage technologies, will be tapping into a whole new productive resource.” Mr. Howard said.

Mr. Howard said he understood that many women and girls in rural provinces do not have access to computers or the internet and that access to such technology can serve as a basis for challenging gender norms which tend to hold women and girls back. 

International Girls Day is a great opportunity to challenge us to find ways to leverage technology to improve the lives of women and girls at every stage of the life course.

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