Multiple studies show that the participation of women in technology is very less compared with their counterparts. According to UNESCO’s report women in the technology constitute only 28 percent of professionals in the sector worldwide, 30 percent in the Sub-Saharan African countries.
Taking the role of engaging more women in the technology sector into consideration, Ethiopia has been putting lots of efforts. In turn, many women are coming to front with various technological products. However, much more is yet desired and there is a lot of work ahead.
Representing Women and Youth Division Directorate at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology Yonas Alemu said increasing the participation of women in entrepreneurship related technology activities would boost up women’s self-employment opportunities, enhance their capacity for creativity and advance their economic status. Thus, the Ministry is working to incorporate more women in the technology sector.
As part of the activities carried out to increase women’s involvement, the Ministry has provided the first training on blockchain technology- a record of transactions maintained across several computers linked in a peer-to-peer network based on crypto currency, a digital or virtual currency designed to work as a medium of exchange. The training has enabled them to be well qualified in the technology.
Under the new initiative aimed to boost women’s involvement in technology, the Ministry in collaboration with Entoto Fellowship Project and the Canadian Government has offered short term trainings for twenty women drawn from different parts of the country. As to him, the training focused on software development and technology related entrepreneurship courses.
The trainees have developed various web related innovative projects including online bus ticket reservation system, patient medical record system, online access to researches, and tutoring services which are going to be financed by the Canada Government.
Out of the total amount of the budget allocated for the research, about 20 percent of the fund goes to women while the rest is distributed for both through competition. Moreover, for those women that come up with new, productive entrepreneurship ideas, they are made to enter into incubation center in order to convert their innovative ideas to proto type.
In addition to this, the Ministry for its female employees provides short and long term trainings as well as arranges scholarships (MA and PhD) at both local and overseas universities.
He said: “Today’s world economy is led by technology. Thus, it is a must to ensure the participation of women in technology and enhance their contribution to the economy. The Ministry is carrying out activities towards that.”
The Ministry partnering with Ethio telecom, Addis Ababa, Adama and Debre Birhan Science and Technology universities, Technovation Ethiopia, Women Strategy Development Center, Ministry of Women, Children and Youth, Regional Innovation Technology agencies, and GIZ is undertaking activities in various areas.
The Ethiopian Herald October 30, 2019
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
