WATCH: Zimbabwe makes strides in bridging the gender and economic digital divides
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has said Zimbabwe has made strides in bridging the gender and economic digital divides by promoting gender inclusivity in the tech space and providing scholarships to underprivileged students.
This was revealed by the regulatory authority’s Director General, Dr Gift Machengete, who recently had the opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s inclusivity and connectivity projects at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Forum in Geneva.
He said: “Zimbabwe’s efforts in policy, infrastructure, and skills development have made strides in bridging the gender digital divides. Continued investment and targeted programmes will be crucial to ensuring no one is left behind in the digital revolution.”
Dr Machengete said gender inclusivity in the tech space was being achieved through initiatives such as the Girls in ICT programme and the SheTech programme, among others.
He said these programmes aimed to inspire and equip girls and young women with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in ICT by challenging stereotypes and offering hands-on learning experiences.
“We also offer scholarships to those who are underprivileged, and this is both boys and girls. Various initiatives are being done to ensure that we transform Zimbabwe’s digital future through an inclusive model that will ensure that rural and the urban poor have access to ICT tools,” he added.
Dr Machengete said Zimbabwe’s robust digital strides were also being witnessed through digital centres.
He said they leveraged post offices for digital transformation by turning them into digital centres that are now centres of excellence, facilitating e-commerce and access to e-government services.
“143 post offices have been renovated to accommodate digital centres. Digital centres will help bridge the digital divide and assist users to create digital products,” he said.
“There is access to digital tools and training, as well as affordable and available internet connectivity. To ensure inclusivity of the elderly as well, there are 202 community information centres in rural areas.”
Dr Machengete said the elderly can go to these centres and access ICT services, which are also incorporating telemedicine to ensure they do not have to travel long distances.
He said promoting inclusivity and bridging the digital divide was fundamental as Zimbabwe is targeting to build a knowledge-based society.
“This is a society where no one is left behind through infrastructure development, targeted training, technology support, gender empowerment, financial aid, and policy advocacy. The authority is laying the foundation for a more equitable and digitally empowered Zimbabwe.”
Dr Machengete said POTRAZ also collaborates with other regulators, such as tax, monetary and procurement authorities, to ensure there is an enabling environment for accelerated digital transformation.
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