Story by Fungai Jachi
THE inaugural ‘Her Digital Indaba’, has spotlighted the critical role of women in shaping Zimbabwe’s digital economy, while underscoring the urgency of closing the gender gap in technology.
The indaba brought together government leaders, industry executives, and ICT professionals to deliberate on strategies to empower women as innovators, leaders, and creators in the digital space.
Discussions centred on digital literacy as a fundamental right, building a safe and inclusive digital
“There is a need for us to fast-track where our nations are going in terms of capacitating our human capital, particularly with the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Usawa Institute Founder, Ms Anozivaishe Marindire said.
“When we get these lived experiences, they better inform our policies, which will allow us to bridge the digital divide,” startup ecosystem builder, Audrey Chidawanyika noted.
“We want to encourage a multi-sectoral approach if we really want to help women start accessing financial skills in the digital space,” digital finance expert, Mrs Sharlom Govero added.
“If we do not want to leave anyone or any place behind, we have to make sure that technology and the internet are accessible for all, and that we can skill young people, women, and vulnerable groups,” the vice president of Internet Society of Zimbabwe, Ms Gladys Chibanda said.
The Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, spoke on the importance of women’s participation in the digital revolution, emphasising that the nation’s full potential cannot be realised without their active involvement.
“Let us work together to bridge the digital divide. As government, we have moved a step up to have an inclusive approach in skilling women in the digital space because that is how we are going to remain relevant as a country in terms of our economy and even socially. The narrative of digital inclusion is the one we are moving with to ensure we do not lag as a country,” she noted.
The conference marks an important milestone in Zimbabwe’s digital journey, reinforcing national efforts to ensure women and girls are not only participants but leaders in the country’s technology-driven future.
