Kenya close to achieving gender parity in technology
Access to Internet and digital tools offer women more opportunities for economic empowerment, notes Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
In its 2018 Bridging the Digital Gender Divide report, the entity states closing the gender gap in access to digital technologies would require connection of more women to Internet, digital platforms and mobile phones.
This would enable women earn additional income, increase employment opportunities and access knowledge and general information, consequent to their empowerment.
The 2019 Kenya Housing and Population Census showed a near parity in ownership of mobile phones and use of Internet, the digital technologies that are key to women empowerment.
A total of 10,268,651 men and 10,425,040 women own the gadgets. This means 156,389 more women own phones.
On Internet use, men are 5,408,981 equal to 25.1 per cent, while women are 4, 460, 639, representing a 20.1 per cent stake - a five point difference.
ADDITIONAL INCOME
Having more women connected to Internet gives them a chance to earn additional income, increase employment opportunities and access knowledge and general information, consequent to their empowerment.
OECD says women in Africa are 34 per cent less likely to own a smartphone, cutting them off access to Internet and as a result, disadvantage them in enjoying benefits of being connected.
In Kenya, the situation is better for women, at least according to the census report. They can access the 200 government services accessible through the Internet.
Expectant mothers can, for example, register for Linda Mama, Boresha Jamii scheme at their convenience using a mobile phone. The scheme, which enables women to benefit from free maternity delivery policy is facilitated by National Hospital Insurance Fund.
Application for passport, a document that would allow a woman to cross borders for business or professional endeavours, is done through an online platform eCitizen.
The government also advertises public tenders on the online platform My Gov Kenya.
"Women in developing parts of the world need to be connected…digital technologies offer leapfrog opportunities and help empower women," states OECD in the report.
