ECA calls for increased representation of women in science, technology

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has called for increased women and girls’ representation in science and technology.

Acting Executive Secretary of ECA, Mr Antonio Pedro, said this in his message to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD).

Pedro stated this on the commission’s website on Wednesday.

Pedro said, “This year’s theme stresses the need for technology and innovation to advance gender equality.

“Technology can expand pathways to education and opportunities for women and girls. But it can also be used to amplify abuse and hatred.

“Today, women make up under a third of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and maths.

“And when women are under-represented in developing new technologies, discrimination may be baked in from the start.

“That is why we must close the digital divide and increase the representation of women and girls in science and technology.”

He noted that women’s exclusion from the digital world had shaved an estimated one trillion dollars from the GDP of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade.

According to the ECA boss, these losses can grow to 1.5 trillion dollars by 2025 without proper action.

The Secretary General said that investing in women would uplift all people, communities and countries.

He congratulated women from all walks of life on their achievements while recognising the enormous obstacles they faced.

“From structural injustices, marginalisation, and violence, to cascading crises that affect them first and worst, to the denial of their autonomy and rights over their bodies and lives.

“Gender-based discrimination harms everyone – women, girls, men, and boys. IWD is a call to action.

“Action to stand with women demanding their fundamental rights at great personal cost. Action to strengthen protection against sexual exploitation and abuse.

“And action to accelerate women’s full participation and leadership.

“Let us work together across governments, the private sector and civil society to build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous world for women, girls, men, and boys everywhere,” Pedro said.