By Dean Chisambo
Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has expressed concern over low adaptation in technology and digitalization among women in the country.
MACRA Director General, Daud Suleman made the remarks Thursday at Bingu International Conventional Centre (BICC) during a Press briefing on the forthcoming Conference on Women in Cyber whose theme is “bridging the gender gap and breaking the glass ceiling”.
He said Malawi as a country needs to remove the stereotype mentality that technology and digitalization is a men’s dominated field.
“We need more women to be involved in the area of technology and digitalization by providing courses to which they will be able to take part.” We need to encourage the girl child to develop interest in science subjects in school,” Suleman pointed out
He said the gender gap in the technology and cyber security fields has been a significant issue for many years.
Suleman added that despite the increasing number of women and girls interested in pursuing careers in these fields, they face numerous challenges that hinder their growth and advancement.
“Studies show that women are underrepresented in the tech and cyber security industries, and even when present, they face discrimination, bias, and harassment,” he viewed.
The Director said it is crucial to bridge this gender gap and break the glass ceiling to ensure women and girls participate fully in the technology sector.
He disclosed that Malawi will host a Conference on Women in Cyber from August 1 to 4, 2023 at BICC in Lilongwe and the First Lady is expected to open the conference.
