NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUTHORITY UGANDA (NITA-U) 1 WOMEN IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) 2016 1
The Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) in Enhancing Women s Economic Participation ICTs are an important component in the development of a nation as they support communication to connect communities and businesses at local and international levels. ICTs when adequately deployed also bring about efficiency and delivery of improved services to the citizens. 2
The most important determinant of a country s competitiveness is its human capital and talent, the skills, education and productivity of its workforce. Women account for one-half of the potential talent base throughout the world, according to ITU s report A bright future in ICT opportunities for a new generation of women. As a significantly productive work force in any community, it is important that women have access to and use ICTs to enhance and support their businesses and other aspects of their lives. Women in Uganda are increasingly adopting ICT in their businesses which have provided them with the opportunity to engage in online trade to purchase goods and services, to advertise their products online and gain access to regional and international markets. ICTs also provides access to information such as jobs advertised online, information on prices of goods and services, and other vital information to further enhance women s economic participation. 3
At NITA-U we support ICT hubs and female targeted organisations, nurturing and mentoring young girls in ICT fields and careers. Empowering women and ensuring that they reach their maximum potential. As we celebrate International Women s Day this week NITA-U features some leading ladies in ICT and what role ICT has played in enhancing their economic participation as women. 4
5
Name: Eng. Dr. Dorothy Okello Role: Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT); Researcher -netlabs!ug. Director of Innovation for Resilient Africa Network (RAN), Makerere University with a vision of resilient African communities through innovative solutions. ICT has facilitated access to key information and opportunities locally and internationally; It has enhanced my productivity as I can conduct work and engage with others online within Uganda and beyond, and helps me in addressing a worklife balance. This is also why I'm passionate about promoting the use of ICTs by women and women organisations in Uganda! 6
Name: Evelyne Namara Role: Co-founder and CTO -!NNOVATE Uganda "I use the Internet (a form of ICTs) to stand up against injustices, corruption and bad governance while also speaking up for the oppressed, especially women facing online gender based violence. ICTs especially the Internet have become a great way for me to reach out to masses and communicate my message to the world. This ability to give back has been the greatest investment in economic participation powered by ICTs." 7
Name: Ddambya Vivian Role: Director Technical Services, CISSP National Information Technology Authority- Uganda (NITA-U) The importance of ICTs is evident in everything we do in our lives. I am inspired every time I interact with Grace Nakato from whom I get my market produce in Kisaasi market. Grace receives most of her orders on phone via sms and WhatsApp from working mothers such as myself, we pay her using mobile money and she pays her suppliers the same way. This is one of the many ways women do business, gather information and relate using ICTs. At NITA, which employs 42% women, we have devoted our energy towards seeing more growth in the way women use ICTs; the same market woman should be able to get information from the farmer on the cost 8
of the produce, join an online consumer group so as to widen her customer base, bank her sales using mobile money so that she doesn t have to worry about her cash getting stolen, advertise her produce online and could also borrow from the bank online and payback using the same platform. Women understand the problems of other women. It is therefore important to celebrate the women who work in an essentially male dominated field. Women understand that Grace above needs to have time for her family and technology can help her get this time by enabling her to do activities such as ordering, getting a loan, paying and advertising in the comfort of her home. We therefore we need to encourage more women to join the field of IT to bring this female understanding to solving our current global problems. The future though, is looking brighter taking into consideration the number of women graduating from IT institutions and growth of the number of women at the Top in the IT field, but there is still work to do if we are to get the women into this field which could be to the 21 st Century what the industrial revolution was to the 18 th Century and keep them there. 9
Name: Dr Evelyn Kigozi Kahiigi Role: Lecturer/Head of Department Information Technology, Makerere University The inherent debate of whether the implementation of ICT initiatives should supersede the provision of basic needs has taken centre stage in Uganda. While basic needs such as provision of clean water, food, health and shelter need to continue to form national priorities; ICT innovations are forming part of the solution and should be considered a critical facet of basic development. ICT is an alternative medium that has facilitated women empowerment thus contributing to their improved quality of life. 10
Through the use of mobile applications and services women have increased access to quality information relevant to growing and managing their businesses; the use of mobile applications has also facilitated knowledge sharing to support better farming methods and creation of trading opportunities thus enhancing their agribusinesses. From a health service delivery perspective, ICT innovations are being adopted and used to empower pregnant women and their families to practice healthy behaviors and be aware of and access health care during pregnancy, childbirth and the early postnatal period. 11
12