Story by Fungai Jachi
THE government has reiterated its commitment to implementing inclusive policies aimed at closing the gender gap and ensuring greater female participation in the technology sector.
Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the Women in ICT Conference held in Harare this Friday, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, emphasised that promoting the involvement of girls and women in ICT remains a key priority for the government.
“As the government, we are committed to ensure that we promote the uptake of ICTs. Women are doing the most, whether through ground breaking Artificial Intelligence research, inclusive digital policies, or grassroots technological education,” she said.
“Women are proving that technology thrives when diverse voices lead. Gender gaps in STEM education exist but I reaffirm our commitment to dismantling these barriers through a lot of programmes including the She Tech Initiative.
“We are expanding access to ICT scholarships, scaling mentorship programmes for young women and funding initiatives that empower female-led tech startups. Together, we will build a sector where talent not gender defines opportunity,” she said.
Women in the ICT sector are grateful for opportunities being created by the Second Republic in the digital space.
“We have a lot of talented girls and women in the country and being given space to showcase what one can do is commendable,” a participant said.
“I encourage girls to take up space in ICTs it is not about gender but capability,” a beneficiary said.
“The government is doing a lot especially in rural communities and as women, it is our duty to encourage each other to use these opportunities to excel,” a participant said.
The Annual Women in ICT Conference aims to foster leadership roles for women and driving innovation.
