Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAFRICA), Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) and the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) are collaborating to celebrate the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD).
According to a press statement jointly signed by the three associations, the theme of 2023 IWD, which is DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’, will explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities and spotlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.
The associations noted that women have made countless contributions to the digital world from the early days of computing to the modern era of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, stating that their footprints can be seen in the digital space.
The group noted that there’s currently a persistent gender gap in internet access that prevents women from fully utilizing technology. While stating that participation in tech design and governance is still significantly hampered by women’s representation in STEM education and jobs.
“Currently, a persistent gender gap in internet access prevents women from fully utilizing technology. Participation in tech design and governance is still significantly hampered by women’s under representation in STEM education and jobs. Additionally, women are all too frequently forced out of the digital spaces they occupy due to the persistent fear of online gender-based violence and the lack of legal remedy.
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“Digital technology is also creating new opportunities for the global emancipation of women, girls, and other oppressed populations. The digital age offers an unparalleled chance to eradicate all types of inequity and inequality, from gender-responsive digital learning to tech-facilitated sexual and reproductive healthcare.
“The 2023 IWD observance will explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities and spotlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.
“Against this background the three maritime women organizations, WISTA Nigeria, WIMA Nigeria and WIMOWCA Nigeria are collaborating to celebrate this year’s IWD which is annually marked on March 8th .They are urging governments, activists and stakeholders in the maritime space to continue working together to make the digital world safer, more inclusive, and more egalitarian.
“They are taking the opportunity to build a better future for everyone on Earth, not just women and girls, as the world deals with a variety of global issues.
“This collaboration will recognize and celebrate women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education in the maritime space.
“Jointly, as women in the maritime space in Nigeria, WISTA Nigeria, WIMA Nigeria and WIMOWCA Nigeria are advocating for equity, technological advancement and inclusion of all women in the digital space to further the advancement of the maritime industry in Nigeria” the joint statement reads.
