[AfrICANN-discuss] Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusivity in ICT

[Felix Opilli]

Dear AfrICANN Community,

I trust this correspondence finds you in good health. I am writing to
provide valuable insights on a pivotal subject essential for the
advancement and endurance of our ICT sector: Gender Equality and
Inclusivity in ICT. In the epoch of digital progress, it is imperative to
earnestly confront this matter to cultivate a varied and all-encompassing
workforce capable of propelling innovation and nurturing economic expansion.

*"The Significance of Gender Equality in ICT*

Economic Advancement and Innovation: Gender diversity within the ICT
industry plays a pivotal role in driving economic progress. Research
indicates that organizations with gender-diverse executive teams
demonstrate a higher likelihood of outperforming their counterparts in
terms of profitability. Women contribute unique perspectives and
problem-solving approaches, fostering innovation and developing products
and services that cater to a wider audience.

Tackling the Skills Deficit: The ICT sector confronts a substantial
shortage of skilled professionals. Encouraging greater participation of
women in the technology workforce can help bridge this gap, ensuring that
the industry has the necessary talent to prosper.

Equity and Inclusivity: Advocating for gender parity in ICT is fundamental
for societal fairness. It guarantees equal opportunities and benefits for
women in the digital economy, thus alleviating poverty and enhancing
overall quality of life. Furthermore, it is aligned with United Nations
Sustainable Development Goal 5, which seeks to accomplish gender equality
and empower all women and girls."

*Initiatives Promoting Women’s Participation in Technology*

*Girls Who Code,* a non-profit organization, is dedicated to reducing the
gender gap in technology by equipping young women with the skills and
confidence to pursue careers in computing. To date, Girls Who Code has
engaged over 500,000 girls through its clubs, summer immersion programs,
and college loops.

*The African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI)* is a collaborative effort
between the African Union, UN Women, and the International
Telecommunication Union. AGCCI's mission is to provide training and
empowerment in coding and digital literacy for young African women and
girls, focusing on those aged 17-20. The initiative has successfully
trained hundreds of participants across several African countries.

*AnitaB.org’s Grace Hopper Celebration*, named in honor of computing
trailblazer Grace Hopper, stands as the world’s largest annual gathering of
female technologists. The event offers networking opportunities,
professional development, and a platform for women to showcase their
accomplishments. Attended by thousands of professionals from around the
world, the conference nurtures a supportive community of women in tech.

*The achievements of Women Leaders and Innovators*

*Dr. Nneile Nkholise*, a South African entrepreneur and engineer, is the
founder of iMED Tech, a company specializing in the design and manufacture
of medical prosthetics using 3D printing technology. Her pioneering work in
healthcare and technology has garnered multiple awards, including the
Presidential Award for Science, Technology, and Innovation*.*

*Rebecca Enonchong*, as the founder and CEO of AppsTech, a prominent global
provider of enterprise application solutions, has established herself as a
leading figure in the technology industry. She is a fervent advocate for
technology in Africa and serves as a mentor and advisor to various tech
startups and organizations. Enonchong's contributions have positioned her
as one of the most influential women in technology.

*Juliana Rotich, *co-founder of Ushahidi, an open-source software platform
for information collection, visualization, and interactive mapping, has
played a pivotal role in utilizing technology for social impact. Ushahidi
has been deployed globally for crisis response, human rights monitoring,
and election monitoring, illustrating the efficacy of technology-driven
solutions in addressing societal challenges.

*Call for Discussion*

I cordially extend an invitation to all members to contribute their
perspectives, experiences, and any existing initiatives that advocate for
gender equality and inclusivity within the ICT sector. How can the AfrICANN
community best bolster and magnify these endeavors? Furthermore, what
additional measures can be implemented to ensure women are afforded
equitable opportunities to excel within the digital economy?

My tenure of over a decade in gender mainstreaming within UNIDO renewable
projects has led me to the realization that the challenges we have
confronted and sought to address are akin to those prevailing in the realm
of the internet.

*Looking forward to a robust and enlightening discussion.*

Warm regards,

Opilli Semekete Felix
Project Management and Relations Specialist
fopilli at gmail.com
+254 711 700 710

*https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-semekete-opill
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-semekete-opill>*
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