Girls encouraged to embrace digitalisation
Ratidzai Matumbura
VICTORIA FALLS – Children in Victoria Falls congregated at Lulu Educational Academy to join the rest of the world in commemorating the lnternational Day Of the Girl Child under the theme ‘Digital generation, our generation,’ that was invoked to motivate girls towards embracing digitalization. The lively occasion was facilitated by an arm of Zion City Foundation named ‘Girls Time Club.’
Speaking during the occasion, the guest speaker, Ms Daphne Munyaradzi gave a lecture on the importance of digitalisation in the modern era. She spoke extensively on the gap that exists between girls and boys with regards to digital tools usage.
“There is blatant inequality between boys and girls in terms of digitilisation. Research data shows that more than 50% of women are offline. It is social norms that surround a girl child which limits their exposure to some things which are positive in nature. I encourage you all to stand up and learn computers and be well versed on digitalisation. The world is advancing so these skills will be needed one way or the other,” she said.
Girls Time club mentor, Procedure Mhlanga Chikosi shed light on the reason behind celebrating the girl child and also highlighted the challenges that are faced by girls.
“l personaly celebrate girls because despite grappling with multi-faceted challenges, girls are defying the odds that are heavily stacked against them, rising and taking up their space.
Girls have challenges in accessing education, are overlooked for leadership positions, and are stifled in accessing tools for participating strongly in the digital revolution. These challenges make the playing field uneven between girls and their male counterparts, ” said the mentor.
Sheryll Nyathi, a participant whose excitement was palpable said, “The patriachal society has for long relegated girls to second class citizens, thereby denying them equal opportunities to digital tools. However, today, we have been enlightened and awakened to the importance of being computer literate and digitally equipped,” she said.
Another participant, Lynne Murevanemwi said the occasion could not have come at a better time and should be thoroughly celebrated in light of parity with boys.
“For me today we are celebrating the recognition of our equality with the male gender. Unfortunately, a look at the statistics reveals that girls are lagging behind in terms of technology but today our eyes have been opened and we will strive to change the status quo and set a good example for other girls apropos of digitalisation” said Lynne.
Mabel Nyaude was happy to receive what she called ” invaluable” information. She said, “l am happy for the encouragement to embrace technology because as the world advances and digitalisation takes over, many job opportunities favour people who are computer literate. This priceless information will go a long way in helping us to learn and gain the much needed digital skills.”
International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day set aside by the United Nations to celebrate the girl child. It is also called the ‘Day of Girls’ and the ‘International Day of the Girl.’ October 11, 2012, was the first Day of the Girl Child.
