International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also a call to action for accelerating gender equality and closing the gaps that persist in various domains.
For instance, in East and Southern Africa, women are paid 19% less than men on average, and to make up this difference, women would need to work five hours extra every week. Only 22% of AI professionals globally are female, compared to 78% who are male. This accounts for a gender gap of 72% yet to close. There are 16.7 million girls out of school in sub-Saharan Africa, 9.3 million of whom will never set foot in a classroom.
In light of these alarming statistics, are we still asking ourselves – why do we celebrate International Women’s Day?
On this International Women’s Day, themed “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” it’s crucial to recognize the urgent need to bridge the digital gender gap, particularly in Africa, and invest in women’s empowerment in technology. Despite the transformative potential of technology, women continue to face significant barriers to access and participation in the digital economy, perpetuating gender inequalities. By investing in women in technology, and providing them with access to digital tools, skills training, and opportunities in the tech sector, we can accelerate progress towards gender equality and unlock the full potential of AI to make a positive impact for women, especially in Africa.
The low representation of women, particularly women of colour, in fields like AI, exacerbates the digital gender gap and limits the potential impact of technology on women’s lives.
In Africa, where women are significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, addressing this imbalance is essential for promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation in technology development.
Moreover, the narrative questioning the need for International Women’s Day or suggesting the absence of a Men’s Day is ignorant of the stark realities faced by women internationally, particularly in tech and especially in Africa. Women continue to face systemic barriers, discrimination, and violence, making it imperative to recognize and address these inequalities through targeted investments, advocacy, and action.
Let’s use International Women’s Day as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to advancing gender equality, challenging existing power structures, and creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
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