On the 8th of March 2023 the whole world celebrates International Women’s Day. This day began in New York City on March 8, 1857, when female textile workers marched in protest of unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women. It was one of the first organized strikes by working women, during which they called for a shorter work day and decent wages.
Over the years March 8 has become a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Masses join forces to celebrate and recognise women for their contribution in various sectors. The theme for this year 2023 is DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’. It recognizes and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.The UN records that in this century our lives have become depended on strong technological integration ,at one point or another we need to call, text, email, do a bank transaction. However, 37% of women do not use the internet. 259 million fewer women have access to the Internet than men, even though they account for nearly half the world’s population (https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day)
It is envisaged that by 2050, 75% of jobs will be related to STEM areas. Yet today, women hold just 22% of positions in artificial intelligence, to name just one. (WEF Report) . A study of 51 countries revealed 38 per cent of women had personally experienced online violence. (2022 Gender Snapshot Report)
Given the statistics as a City we have a lot to do to ensure that we equip our girls and women to take up courses that will enable them to be relevant in this world of technology. It is our duty to protect women and children from online violence and cyber bullying. Women are bullied and shamed on the media and social platforms and we need to step up our efforts to ensure that this practice stops through enforcement of cyber laws.
As a Council we need to ensure that we push the 2030 SDG Agenda 5 of Gender Equality together with Agenda 9 on innovation by training more women ICTS and equipping them with the necessary tools .
Together we celebrate every woman in Council and in this City of Victoria Falls who has contributed in one way or another. Happy Womens Day.
Kholwani M.Mangena
Chamber Secretary City of Victoria Falls
