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The uptake of digital technology such as the internet has been hindered by the high price of smart devices, says Community Development and Social Services Minister, Doreen Mwamba.
Mwamba observed that the use of digital technology was also being limited by the price of data and availability of charging points, hence the need for more investment in the sector.
She therefore called for increased investment into digital technologies infrastructure.
Mwamba told the United Nations (UN) that there was need for increased investment into digital technologies infrastructure.
She said this virtually during the General Debate of the 67th Session of the Commission on Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Friday.
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This year’s session of the Commission is being held under the priority theme, “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.”
“The theme presents an opportunity to further mobilize local, regional and global action to promote inclusive innovation and technological change as well as education in the digital age to promote gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
“We are living in a digital age. The quest to achieve gender equity and equality cannot be attained without mainstreaming innovation, technology, and digitization, both as a means of achieving results and as a resource for empowerment of women and girls,” Mwamba said.
Community Development and Social Services Minister, Doreen Mwamba.
She explained that this was critical in increasing access to economic opportunities, education attainments, participation in decision making, health and overall wellbeing of women and girls.
Mwamba stated that digital technologies in particular provided opportunities for greater access to information, education and skills, and open possibilities for increased employment and business opportunities for women and girls.
“This calls for unified and concerted efforts to close the gender gap in digital skills, promoting gender transformative innovation and technology, while also and protecting the rights of women and girls online,” Mwamba said.
Zambia, she said, was in the process of developing a Digital Transformation Strategy which was expected to enhance gender equality, not only in accessing ICT products and services but also in the acquisition of skills that will ensure digital inclusivity.
She further told the Commission that Zambia was using technology in the delivery of social protection and empowerment programmes to facilitate payments and had digitalised the village banking services to enhance access to finance.
The Minister also said that Zambia was hopeful that progress would be achieved in advancing gender equality through digital transformation.
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