Girls using technology for positive change 

From the internet to mobile phones, technology enables us to connect with each other and the world around us. However, there is a huge gender digital divide in both access to and ownership of technology – this includes mobile phones and basic digital literacy skills. Globally, women are 12% less likely to use the internet than men and are underrepresented when it comes to participation and leadership in internet governance, design and development of technologies and policies. 

In Nepal, women and girls face discrimination on multiple levels because of their gender, poverty and caste. Women’s literacy rates are substantially lower than men’s (male literacy rate is 71.6%, but it is only 44.5% for women) and girls under the age of 18 are 30% less likely than boys to own a mobile phone.

“We didn’t have any practical experience of using a computer. We also had very little information on violence, social stigma and discrimination. Voices of Women Media (VOWM) has brought positive changes in us young girls. It has taught us to speak for ourselves. VOWM has helped us become more confident. I hope to be able to guide other young girls like myself with my knowledge so far.”  –Alina, 14 years old 

This leaves serious gaps in girls’ education and is a barrier to potential employment opportunities. The gender digital divide is a reflection of the overall discrimination faced by women and girls. Information and communications technology (ICT) – including the internet and social media – is used to connect, share information, support advocacy and secure positive change. It is vital that all girls can access this transformative resource.

Our partner Voices of Women Media (VOWM), is an organisation committed to providing computer training and girls’ rights awareness and leadership sessions to girls aged 14-25 in Kathmandu, Nepal. VOWM enables access to innovative media tools such as video, radio and photography in order to improve ICT, build feminist leadership and effect changes in society’s treatment of girls &women.

Main activities include highlighting female leaders and innovators through the history of technology, wiring a desktop and using programmes such as Word and Excel, and editing videos and photos. Given an estimated 90% of jobs worldwide have a digital component,  improved technology skills will give girls a greater chance of securing future employment. 

With digital access, women and girls can expand their sense of self in the world, and raise awareness of their rights. To learn more about the work VOWM does to amplify women’s voices and combat discrimination, see here.