Digital access and safety is must to enhance STEM

Ranjan K Baruah

(With direct inputs from UN/WHO publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)

We have seen how girls and young women have contributed in the field of science and technology and in different fields of careers, but the fact is that there are a lesser number of girls and young women when it comes to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). We know that science, technology, and innovation are key drivers of our increasingly global and digital society. But less than 30% of STEM professionals are women. Globally, in tertiary institutions, there is approximately half the number of girls studying STEM subjects compared to boys. We could see more girls taking subjects from humanities instead of science.

For girls and young women to thrive in STEM careers, they need safe and reliable access to the internet and digital tools for which access and safety is a must. For an inclusive society and to bring sustainable development it is important to encourage girls and young women to pursue STEM education and inspire girls and young women to work in STEM careers.

The International Girls in Information Communications Technology (ICT) Day takes place every year on the fourth Thursday of April. On this day, the role of girls in information and communication technologies is highlighted and its main objective is to contribute to the empowerment of girls and young women in terms of education and career in the field. This year the day was observed on April 28 around the world.

For young people digital platforms are the primary means through which they connect with one another, and seek information related to their careers. Moreover, as we aspire towards greater gender equality, digital technologies can accelerate our progress. They open new doors for women and girls to empower themselves personally, professionally, and economically. Indeed, women themselves are active in developing digital technologies, and have played key roles in advancing humanity's frontiers and scientific understanding.

Access and Safety has been selected as the 2022 thematic priority as part of the initial step for girls to be able to access the digital environment in a safe way. According to International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) latest data, the proportion of women using the Internet globally amounts to 48 per cent, compared to 55 per cent of men. In relative terms, this means that the global Internet use gender gap stands at 12.5 per cent. If women are unable to access the internet and feel safe online, they are consequently unable to develop the necessary digital skills and engage in digital spaces. ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs.

Learning to build mobile applications is an empowering way for young people to move from technology consumption to technology creation. Learning these skills can offer girls the opportunity to create exciting solutions to achieve social impact for their communities while using technology. Girls can be encouraged to use their interest in technology to express their creativity and artistic talent. Online blogging can be an excellent platform for girls to demonstrate and improve their knowledge and skills on technology topics, while improving their talent in writing. We have to encourage and motivate more girls to take up STEM careers. There must be career awareness and other motivational programmes from secondary level so that girls are aware of the importance of STEM. As we have seen, young women are doing wonders in many fields, which means that if mentored properly, they would do wonders in STEM careers too.