By Elizabeth Sitotombe

THE future of the world — and Zimbabwe — lies in ICT, thus it is imperative to bridge the gender divide currently plaguing the industry. 

Women have often described the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector as ‘unreceptive and tough’ largely because they are deliberately excluded from lucrative careers.

According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, women constituted only 22 percent of all students in the country who studied engineering, manufacturing and construction; they also accounted for a mere 32 percent of those who studied ICTs.

The ICT sector boasts millions of jobs; yet the percentage of women working in the sector amounts to a drop in the ocean. To put it simply, women are suffering from digital poverty and something must be done to bridge that deprivation. And the best way to do that is by fostering inclusivity and ensuring women get as many opportunities as their male counterparts, which will, in turn, help bridge the yawning gaps in the tech industry. 

In fact, this was the subject of a recent Women in ICT Conference 2024 held in the capital, Harare. Organised by the Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ), the two-day indaba ran under the theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion: Accelerating Women’s Empowerment’, with a mandate to improve women’s participation as well empower them to impact and take a leading role in the ICT space.

Apart from exchanging notes, the ICT indaba provided an ideal platform for networking and facilitating mentorship programmes for ICT aspiring women.

Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, who was the guest of honour, highlighted the need for women to embrace ICTs and told participants that she was considering women for influential board appointments as her Ministry drives towards a gender-sensitive ICT ecosystem. 

She reiterated that her Ministry was doing all it could to promote women’s participation in ICT and praised initiatives such as ‘Women in ICT’ as they helped in fostering leadership roles for women while at the same time driving innovation.  

“We are reviewing our board appointments to ensure we are champions for women in technology,” said Minister Mavetera. 

“The Ministry is committed to the nationwide distribution of computers and digital devices. President Mnangagwa’s vision is all-encompassing and, to achieve it, we must ensure women have equal opportunities in ICT. 

“Government initiatives and the support of organisations like the Computer Society of Zimbabwe are crucial. While affirmative action empowers women, it should never compromise performance; and women leaders must be role models, proving their capabilities and inspiring others. 

“By working together, we can bridge the digital divide and empower women to lead Zimbabwe’s technological future.” 

“For us to progress, we need to empower women, especially in the digital area. If we empower women, we have empowered a nation.

“Our partnership with ICDL is crucial for enhancing digital literacy among women and girls. The Computer Society of Zimbabwe is a valuable partner in realising the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Vision and their focus on infrastructure, skills development and fostering a knowledge-based economy aligns perfectly with our goals.”

Minister Mavetera said she was looking forward to playing a major role in advancing the status of women in ICT. 

According to a research study by Project Syndicate, women constitute a paltry 30 percent of professionals in the technology industry.

There are over 9 000 schools in Zimbabwe, the majority of them primary schools. ICTs should, therefore, be heavily integrated in teaching and learning, including the rural areas where digital poverty is rife.

The Minister’s sentiments were echoed by the founder and CEO of Tofara Online Trust, Tofara L. Chokera, who said:

“By promoting ICT among women, from the grassroots, we contribute to breaking down gender barriers in the tech industry. It fosters an environment where women have equal opportunities to access and excel in ICT-related fields.”

A report by UNICEF, ‘Bridging the Digital Divide: Challenges and an Urgent Call for Action for Equitable Skills Development’, states that, on average, across 32 countries and territories, girls are 35 percent less likely than their male peers to have digital skills, including simple activities like copying or pasting files or folders, sending emails, or transferring files.

Women with careers in the digital world are, more often than not, stereotyped and sidelined to junior or supporting roles, while boardroom representation is low for women in ICTs with a misguided belief that women’s ‘emotions’ disqualify them from tech-related spaces.  Even those with high qualifications find themselves having to make do with a substantial pay gap vis-a-vis their male counterparts.

Since ICTs have the potential to positively impact the lives of Zimbabwean women, the gender divide needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.