Increasing women's participation in ICT: Targeting digital equality

According to the United Nations, today only 28 percent of those working in science and technology worldwide, and 22 percent in digital technology jobs, are women. These statistics once again reveal the gender imbalance in technology sector and confirms that women need more support in this area. The situation in Azerbaijan is similar, in line with global trends. Bahar Muradova, Chairwoman of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children's Affairs, said during her speech at the award ceremony of the winners of the "Digital Entrepreneurship" competition held within the framework of the "Women in ICT" project that approximately 30 percent of those working in the field of information and communication technologies in the country are women. However, the share of women in technology-oriented entrepreneurship is only 15 percent. This fact highlights the importance of expanding women's access to innovation and digital economy and providing them with more systematic support.

Taking into account these needs, the State Committee, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, as well as the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, jointly organized the “Digital Entrepreneurship” competition. The main goal of the competition is to stimulate women's initiatives in the field of information and communication technologies, to highlight the projects they have created and that can impact society, and to introduce them to the general public. This initiative is implemented within the framework of UNESCO's "Information for All" (IFAP) program. The mentioned program is currently operating in more than 70 countries and its main goal is to ensure universal access to information technologies, especially to eliminate digital inequality among women and girls.

The competition is not only a platform for developing women's technological knowledge and skills, but also creates conditions for women to engage in digital entrepreneurship, turn their ideas into real projects, and gain a more economically active social position. Such initiatives, in addition to promoting women's participation in the ICT sector, also contribute to the inclusive development of society and maintaining gender balance in the economy.

Expanding educational opportunities, introducing mentoring programs, and strengthening financial and legal support are essential to increasing women’s participation in technology and digital entrepreneurship. In addition, eliminating stereotypes, introducing female role models to society, and making women’s achievements in technology visible are also integral parts of this process.

Continuously expanding existing initiatives and involving more women in technology and innovation through public-private partnerships will make the digital transformation process in Azerbaijan more inclusive and sustainable. This is important not only for women, but also for the socio-economic development of society as a whole.

Source of the news: https://www.aznews.az/news/take_a_look/353840.html

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