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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Women still underrepresented in the field of ICT, says DICT

Women still underrepresented in the field of ICT, says DICT

Published Mar 20, 2023 09:47 am
Citing the European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index in 2022, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) revealed that only 20 percent of information and communications technology professionals and graduates are women. This indicates that lesser women are given the opportunity to explore and excel in the industry. “By championing gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion in ICT, we can pave the way for more women and girls to pursue careers in this exciting and ever-growing field,” said DICT on Monday, March 20. In time for the celebration of the National Women’s Month, the DICT vowed to continuously empower and encourage women to pursue a career in ICT. “[The United States Agency for International Development] is working with the DICT to bring together gender and ICT champions, women leaders and innovators, and gender equality organizations and stakeholders to highlight the importance of inclusive digital transformation,” it added.

Small steps

In a public briefing held earlier on March 17, DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo noted that there is an evident gap between women and men when it comes to accessing digital technology. Women, for an instance, have 18 percent less chance of having a smartphone compared to men. While this is an inconvenient truth, Lamentillo said the national government is actively seeking ways to address the matter. These ways include the establishment of Free Wi-Fi sites in geographically disadvantaged areas as well as Tech4Ed centers to make ICT services in rural areas better. In terms of opening more opportunities for women, the DICT utilizes its Digital Innovation for Women Advancement program to encourage women and girls to pursue a career in STEM. Apart from these, the DICT also provides startup grant funds for aspiring women entrepreneurs. “Ang DICT po ay \[patuloy na\] \[m\]agpapatupad ng mga project na naglalayong tugunan ang digital divide at digital gender gap\, \(The DICT will continue to implement projects that aim to address the digital divide and digital gender gap\)” said Lamentillo\.

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Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) women in tech
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