Stefanus Nashama
Namibia joined the rest of the world in observing International Girls in Information Communication Technology Day.
Shoki Kanjimi, the Senior Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology said the event in Namibia was presented under the theme ‘digital skills for life’.
Kandjimi said the day aims to inspire and encourage girls from all walks of life to pursue a future in ICT and empower them with to necessary skills, confidence and support to achieve their goals and bridge the gender gap in digital
Global Statistics have shown that girls and women particularly in the developing world are less likely to have access to digital.
“This has widened the gender digital divide globally and this is attributed to a lack of digital skills among girls. It is the role of the government and stakeholders to ensure that girls have the necessary digital skills in the world,” he said.
According to Kandjimi, digital literacy remains an essential component toward the success of digital transformation in Namibia and the world in particular.
“There is a need for mechanisms to increase digital literacy in Namibia,” Kandjimi said.
He further said the Government need to initiate programmes by introducing coding and programming classes in schools and community centres and offering digital skills to young girls.
This can help girls develop skills in problem-solving, logic and imagination, communication and collaboration, brainstorming and design.
Deputy Minister of ICT, Emma Theofilus, said it is not a secret that technology brings possibilities to design new ways to achieve social impact.
Engaging girls in digital activities can spark creativity; build teamwork and hands-on experience among girl children.
The ministry has the mandate to ICT in the country.
“The ministry has already begun efforts at its regional offices and rural ICT centres countrywide with the dream of achieving a 100 percent digital literacy rate by 2030,” Emma stated.
She said the launch of the Cybersecurity strategy and awareness creation plan has prioritized the safety of interest users in cyberspace, especially the girl child through training sessions.
However, this publication understands that many communities in Namibia, especially in rural areas do not have access to the Internet.
