Women urged to take up opportunities in the digital space

By Mercy Kihugu

According to United Nations, 37% of women do not use the internet. 259 million fewer women have access to the Internet than men, even though they account for nearly half the world’s population.

If women are unable to access the Internet and do not feel safe online, they are unable to develop the necessary digital skills to engage in digital spaces, which diminishes their opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields By 2050.

Nakuru County today joined the world in the commemoration of this years’ International Women’s Day themed ” Digital Innovation and Technology for gender equality.”

This years’ celebrations intends to celebrate women in the digital space and champion for the advancement of digital education and technology transformation for gender equality.

The County led by Gender CECM, Josephine Achieng and County Chief of Staff Dr Peter Ketyenya assured the administration’s under the leadership of H.E Governor Susan Kihika continued support to women in the county to facilitate the women agenda economically, socially and politically in the county.

Ms Achieng further encouraged the women to embrace technology which will results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality.

Dr Ketyenya on his end encouraged women not to be afraid to take up position especially those living with disabilities to help defy gender stereotypes, social norms and show men and women as equal.

The celebration gave an opportunity for women to be sensitized on the available opportunities in the digital space to improve their livelihoods through increased income.

The county has 7 digital hubs including, Shabaab, Rongai, Menengai East, Subukia, Kuresoi South, Njoro and Kagotho digital hubs and the administration is looking forward to ensure more digital hubs are constructed increase digital coverage.