World Telecommunication Day: Minister Calls for Gender Equality in Digital Space

World Telecommunication Day: Minister Calls for Gender Equality in Digital Space

The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, has emphasized the need for inclusive digital transformation to address the systemic inequality faced by women in the digital space. Speaking at the 2025 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day in Accra, the minister highlighted the stark statistics that reveal the gender gap in digital access and participation.

"Globally, 62% of men are online, compared to 57% of women. In Least Developed Countries, only 30% of women have internet access. Women account for only 20% of ICT professionals, and they are 7% less likely than men to own a mobile phone. The gender gap in mobile internet use is a staggering 32% in Sub-Saharan Africa," he noted.

The minister acknowledged that digital transformation is not gender-neutral and that a digital economy that excludes women limits its own potential. He emphasized the need to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to empower women through targeted policy, focused investment, and collective resolve.

He reiterated his Ministry's commitment to the Girls-in-ICT Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at bridging the gender digital divide by equipping girls with skills in STEM. This initiative is not charity; it is a strategic investment in the future of girls and women. The minister urged all stakeholders, both public and private, to invest deliberately in the futures of women and girls and to dismantle the barriers that limit their access to digital resources.

The Acting Director General of the National Communication Authority (NCA), Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, revealed that the Minister has provided direction on key policy issues for the communication sector. Rev. Fianko emphasized that the NCA will adopt a consultative approach to implement these policy measures, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive process.

Source:Bibianinews.com/Bernard K Dadzie