Innovation and Technology Highlighted as Catalysts for Gender Equality

 

Stakeholders have emphasized the importance of harnessing innovation and technology as vital tools in advancing gender equality. 

Furthermore, they have urged collaboration to ensure technology is not misused to increase gender-based violence or widen economic disparities between women and men.

This insight was shared by Florah Ndaba, Acting Head of Advocacy and Advocacy at the Tanzania Gender Networking Program (TGNP), during a discussion on innovation and technology as catalysts for gender equality.

The discussion brought together various stakeholders from the private sector, government, and civil society organizations as part of the ongoing Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Week in Arusha.

Florah Ndaba highlighted that innovation and technology are pivotal elements that should be utilized as drivers of gender equality. She emphasized that communities should not fear technological advancements or their potential impact on society.

She further stressed the importance of stakeholders overcoming the fear of scientific and technological change in their daily operations. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring technology is not misused to promote gender-based violence, particularly against women and children.

"Technology reduces operational and production costs, which is why TGNP entered into an agreement with the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) to collaborate in promoting scientific innovation efforts while considering gender equality. Additionally, it is essential that girls choosing careers in science and technology are given opportunities to nurture their talents and eventually enter the job market," Flora said.

Deogratius Temba, a gender specialist and analyst, pointed out that the lack of gender equality in technology is costing the country a substantial amount of potential revenue that could be generated from increased productivity.

He stressed that gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is indispensable. According to a 2022 UN Women study across 51 countries, economies with gender inequalities in technology are losing approximately one trillion U.S. dollars annually. By 2025, these losses are projected to rise to 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars.

Nizentha Kimario, an instructor from the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), indicated that their institution has adopted a gender perspective in its teaching, and their collaboration with TGNP has helped raise awareness about these issues and change negative perceptions about the capabilities of girls in science and technology fields.

"Additionally, students now see the importance of engaging with communities to identify their challenges and needs before starting innovation projects. Many of our innovative machines are the result of responding to community needs," Kimario said.

As part of the discussion, DIT students showcased various machines they had developed, including a three-wheeled motorbike (tuk-tuk) with a capacity to carry seven passengers and a driver, powered by a rechargeable battery