Women and Girls in national development-ICTs

Women and Girls in national development-ICTs

By Flolics Kasumbalesa

The growth of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Zambia over the past decade has been hailed as a success story. ICTs have steadily been engaged in various areas of the economy, all in an effort to boost economic and social development.

Now more than  ever, ICTs are seen  as essential in the delivery of goods and services. However, the involvement of women and girls in this area has been dismal, giving the wrong impression that it is a `male-only sector.

It is for this reason that the International Telecommunication union (ITU), of which Zambia is a member, is commemoration and Information Society Day (WTISD) under the theme “Women and Girls in ICT,” The aim of the theme is to help ensure that the female gender, which is the most vulnerable of the world`s population, moves on as equals with males in the areas of ICTs.

It is important that ICTs are not only promoted among women and girls. Development experts have urged that once enhanced and well implemented, ICTs can provide women and girls the much needed education and job training, promote literacy, improve access to health care, enable the exercise of legal rights and participation in government.

However, there are a number of factors acting as impediments and affecting Zambian women and girls in accessing ICTs and consequently contributing to national development. For instance, despite the general realisation that women are core to the existence of our society and that they are pillars of strength and hope in our communities, women continue to face the harsh inequalities in our societies.

Even in the developed parts of the country, it is not strange to find dire gender disparities in accessing basic rights. In Zambia, these inequalities seem to be deeply rooted  in our very way of life to the extent that women are still left in the areas of economic, political and even social development and decision making. Despite countless efforts countering this, the status quo has persisted and the ICT sector still remains very male dominated.

Secondly and related to the above, the failure to guarantee and protect women rights has led to a situation where women are denied basic rights such as the right to education. This threatens the little progress that has been made in gender development.  

Another impending factor has been the social stigma and pressure that is impeded in society about the whole women or gender and development discourse. The `gender agenda` has been met with harsh distrust and ridicule, and is caught in a philosophical conundrum as it struggles with deep rooted cultural norms and practices that sometimes the role of women.

These and several other challenges have adversely affected the uptake of ICT by women and girls. But this is not to say that the picture is gloomy and without light.

The Zambian government through the ICT regulator, Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA) has been making strides in changing ICT scene in relation to gender, giving hope for a future that will be free from discrimination, exclusion and inequality.

ICTs: words are not enough

ICTs: words are not enough

By Flolics Kasumbalesa

A network of farmers` voices on the spoken web can provide information to farmers in most part of the country especially rural farmers and their own voices can be used to promote their business, especially that this is time every farmer is busy harvesting their farm produce.

In Zambia today and other developing countries in SADC region have witnessed less penetration of internet than that of the mobile phone. At the same time, the rate of increase of mobile phone penetration far exceeds that of the internet.

In many cases mobile phones are used to connecting people including when it comes to talking business be it in villages in southern province where the main language is tonga. It has been used in purchasing of injectables and in order to serve the ever reducing numbers of live stock in the province.

Despite many diseases animals face Southern Province remain the highest in numbers of cattle in our country. The status quo can never be over stated because many livestock farmers are learning new technologies on how best to fight animal disease, today information is avail and the demand is that our beloved government of the day should continue helping and working with livestock farmers so that the sector can grow.

Some farmers still want to learn new techniques and others are showing interests in learning from peers through experience sharing, and feel a platform if well harnessed can make it easy for them grow in the particular field. For example, one farmer had asked a question about how to deal to deal with hot winds that damages millet crops in the province.

The response through mobile phone advised him to plant kajka millet on the edges of the plot. Another farmer told us that he has heard of this advice and also planted the kajka millet, which saved his crop from being ruined.

Indeed there should be continuous training and recapitalising of farmer input and chemicals to fight cattle mouth disease, like one small scale farmer put words alone are not enough to fight animal disease that has ravaged the Monze areas and was quick to praise airtel mobile internet that it is help them to reach out and bemoaned the slow speed of internet in the area.

“We need more support from government because they chemicals to fight cattle diseases are so expensive so we urge government to come to our aid, we have more problems in our community that require government attention including poor internet penetration. We just have to make use of available tools now, to move and provide more services and empower more people with access to the ICT tools. Daniel Mwabonwa said.

He says the low income; predominantly rural communities are finally becoming a key driver of technology innovations in a large part because of their sheer scale and the huge size of the market which remains to be tapped.

He was very glad to learn about the Samsung Electronics launch of its top of the range Galaxy S3 smart phone in Zambia, which analysts say will outsell its previous model that helped the South Korean company topple Apple as the world`s largest smart phone maker.

He said the Galaxy S3, which tracks the user`s eye movements to keep the screen from dimming or turning off while in use, was officially launched last month at an event witnessed by Lusaka deputy major Theresa Funga.

They is know way one would question this handset, it simply the most anticipated handset of the year- the Samsung Galaxy S3 has been launched globally in London May 3”, this is according to Zambian franchise that announced on the Zambian market.

He is very sure that the Samsung Galaxy S3 is on its way to record books with being the most sold smart phone in history. He explained that the Galaxy S3 builds on that success and propels into the future, adding that they have launched brand stores.

He was however, quick to say that the smart phone, running on Google`s Android operating system, boasts a 4.8 inch screen, one of the largest on smart phones ever and the firm expects the new flagship model to outsell its predecessor.

He said Samsung brand first introduced its Galaxy in 2010, three years after the iPhone`s debut, to counter Apple`s roaring success in smart phones when the troubles of bigger rivals Nokia and Blackberry maker Research in Motion had started.

Indeed come to look back when Samsung sold 44.5 million smart phones in January- March – equal to nearly 21,000 every hour giving it a 30.6 percent market share. Of course Apple sold 35.1 million iPhones, taking 24.1 percent market share.

The records are a clear indication that the mobile money is truly available for people to exploit, and make their money.  Furthermore, it is also essential that the profits are channelled to people as a social responsibility; this is good because it shows that a company has a very good corporate image to its clients and all Zambians at large.

 

 

 

Women and Girls in national development-ICTs

Women and Girls in national development-ICTs
By Flolics Kasumbalesa
The growth of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Zambia over the past decade has been hailed as a success story. ICTs have steadily been engaged in various areas of the economy, all in an effort to boost economic and social development.
Now more than ever, ICTs are seen as essential in the delivery of goods and services. However, the involvement of women and girls in this area has been dismal, giving the wrong impression that it is a `male-only sector.
It is for this reason that the International Telecommunication union (ITU), of which Zambia is a member, is commemoration and Information Society Day (WTISD) under the theme “Women and Girls in ICT,” The aim of the theme is to help ensure that the female gender, which is the most vulnerable of the world`s population, moves on as equals with males in the areas of ICTs.
It is important that ICTs are not only promoted among women and girls. Development experts have urged that once enhanced and well implemented, ICTs can provide women and girls the much needed education and job training, promote literacy, improve access to health care, enable the exercise of legal rights and participation in government.
However, there are a number of factors acting as impediments and affecting Zambian women and girls in accessing ICTs and consequently contributing to national development. For instance, despite the general realisation that women are core to the existence of our society and that they are pillars of strength and hope in our communities, women continue to face the harsh inequalities in our societies.
Even in the developed parts of the country, it is not strange to find dire gender disparities in accessing basic rights. In Zambia, these inequalities seem to be deeply rooted in our very way of life to the extent that women are still left in the areas of economic, political and even social development and decision making. Despite countless efforts countering this, the status quo has persisted and the ICT sector still remains very male dominated.
Secondly and related to the above, the failure to guarantee and protect women rights has led to a situation where women are denied basic rights such as the right to education. This threatens the little progress that has been made in gender development.
Another impending factor has been the social stigma and pressure that is impeded in society about the whole women or gender and development discourse. The `gender agenda` has been met with harsh distrust and ridicule, and is caught in a philosophical conundrum as it struggles with deep rooted cultural norms and practices that sometimes the role of women.
These and several other challenges have adversely affected the uptake of ICT by women and girls. But this is not to say that the picture is gloomy and without light.
The Zambian government through the ICT regulator, Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA) has been making strides in changing ICT scene in relation to gender, giving hope for a future that will be free from discrimination, exclusion and inequality.
ZICTA, whose role is to effectively provide regulatory services to the ICT sector in order to enhance universal access to the ICT services in Zambia has been implementing programmes that have directly benefited women across the country,.
Most of these programmes have been set up in line with the authority`s role to provide universal access. ZICTA`s mandate is to facilitate the provision of communication services throughout the country including those in rural and underserved areas.
Already, several Multi-purpose Telecentres and points of presence in conjunction with ICT service providers have been set up in parts of the country. These have already provided increased access and women and girls in the various communities and rural areas have benefited and have been empowered.
These facilities have been useful in promoting economic empowerment of rural communities through the provision of ICT based income generating activities. In the process, employment is created and the livelihood of the communities is greatly improved.
Further, ZICTA has further been instrumental in promoting ICTs in rural communities and among the differently- abled, sections of societies were women and girls are often the most left out and the most disadvantaged.
The regulator has also been instrumental in environment that has managed to attract and return global investors.
Through the corporate social responsibility programme, ZICTA has able to assist various disadvantaged communities and individuals, mostly women, and empowered them in the area of ICTs. By virtue of its role in the sector, the authority has been able to engage ICT service providers in giving back to such communities and in so doing helping women and girls in areas such as education, health care and empowerment.
ZICTA has also established ICT clubs in high schools across the country, whose purpose is to sensitize youth about the benefits and effects of using ICTs, and to help equip pupils with various basic computer skills girls in schools. Girls in schools stand to benefit greatly from the project that has been hailed as an appropriate initiative that will inspire girls and youth in general to pursue careers or investment in ICT. And through the connecting learning institutions programme, ZICTA hopes that female students will take advantage of the opportunities that have been presented.
ZICTA remains committed to supporting initiatives by women whose objective is to champion their own development and willing to engage ICTs at different levels. Plans are already underway for the authority to establish ICT ambassador`s initiative that will be used to further promote ICTs.
Additionally, the authority stated that it seeks to make ICTs more meaningful to the population. It is for this reason that the regulator is equal to the task of promoting ICTs in Zambia and breaking stereotypes associated to the sector.
This year`s theme for WTISD day therefore is a great opportunity to highlight some of the authorities achievements in promoting ICTs among women and girls. Through partnerships with various stakeholders in the sector, ZICTA is confident that women and girls will be empowered in ICTs and will hence take up their place in contributing to the country`s social and economic development.

National ICT Quiz Launched

National ICT Quiz Launched
By Flolics Kasumbalesa
The Zambia Information and Technology Authority (ZICTA) unveiled the 2012 National ICT Quiz for secondary and high schools. The National ICT Quiz, which is a joint initiative of ZICTA and the Ministry of Education, seeks to facilitate access to ICTs in institutions of learning by encouraging pupils to research and participate in the quiz.
Speaking during then acting Director General Madam Clementine Simwanza said the quiz is aimed at increasing ICT skills and also aimed at helping to building capacity among young people in Zambia as well as help them realize their natural creativity and desire to learn more about ICTs
This year`s quiz started at provincial level, with 18 randomly selected schools battling it out in each province, from which the provincial winners will compete in the final showdown in march. The first ICT quiz was conducted in 2010 as a pilot project with only few schools in Lusaka. This year`s face off campaign takes a national dimension as every province has been represented and will be televised on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Television.
A 10nmillion kwacha trophy is up for grabs as well as several awards and runners up, including scholarships, laptops, blackberry phones and ZICTA hampers. And Director of Distance Education Mr. Mulenga said the Ministry of Education is proud to join ZICTA in this initiative, which he said will supplement the Ministry`s efforts of enhancing and strengthening ICT skills and computer literacy among the youth.
In a speech read on behalf of the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Mulenga said his ministry remains committed to such partnerships and is happy that the number of schools participating had increased.
He said the Ministry has continued to partner with various stakeholders in the ICT sector to enhance the quality of education and ICT awareness.
And speaking in an interview ICT news, a pupil from Matero Boys Secondary School, one of the participating schools, Gift Kalima said he was happy to participate in the quiz which he said would bring transformation to Zambia and help reduce computer illiteracy.
Kalima urged Government to move in and bring computers and computer facilities in schools across the country to increase computer literacy because many of them cannot afford to have these facilities.

Decentralization and ICT in Zambia

Decentralization and ICT in Zambia
By Flolics Kasumbalesa
One of the main aims ICTs is to capture the public`s knowledge, attitude, practices and perceptions about local governance when it comes to the usage of Information Communication and Technologies. The issue of decentralization has long been mooted by previous government and ICT are viewed as a way of doing things.
Among some of the observations of ICTs is that of value addition and can be a vehicle of driving decentralization forward. Actually, in most Non Governmental Organizations ICT implementation strategy is reflected as a priority in most instances.
However, this is not the case with decentralization as most councils are still waiting for instructions, directives and resources to begin undertaking activities that have been stated in documents such as the decentralization Implementation Plan (DIP).
According to ICT commentators, beyond the structural issue, the decentralization will be able to establish considerable levels of the much needed development the country has been crying to attain for several years now.
This is evident in the degree of divergence of perspectives on the subject matter concerning ICTs and decentralization in a young democracy like Zambia. ICTs when used prudently can help decentralize decisions at local government levels where budgeting expenditure is done at local level with one prime objective developing Zambia.
This will certainly be good to see a Zambia that is decentralised through the usage of ICT tools and this will lead to well run systems. It is only through a decentralized system of governance that the citizenry are able to effectively influence and participate in the management of national affairs. The case for decentralization becomes even stronger in a democratic context.
In this regard ICTS re the only mode of tools to use in the decentralised local government especially concerns. Clearly various stakeholders have identified decentralisation as both an urgent and most appropriate solution to enhancing governance and development systems in Zambia. By and large the advert of consensus that propelled government to come up with specific commitments.
Indeed, if properly implemented, decentralization would facilitate the participation of local communities in the governance of their development affairs. The overall goal is to seek information and progress on applications for land plots for trading licences and market rates and job seeking.
To a large extent, this has to move together with the decentralization policy that seeks to devolve decision making, authority and functions from central government to lower levels of Government. The policy is accompanied by an implementation plan for a period of 10 years at the time of adoption in 2002.
Since then government has been on the move attempting to bring service delivery to it people and Information Communication and Technologies (ICTs) have certainly played a role in helping government forfil its mandate of decentralizing the governance systems in Zambia.
However, some stakeholders hold the view that the council`s potential to attain greater achievements are hindered by limitations such as insufficient funds in comparison to the rising demands, inadequate and inappropriate workforce particularly with the elevation of the town to a municipality.
It is believed that ICTs if harnessed properly ICTs can help attain decentralization and this is surely on government sholders for some years now. It is about time that stakeholders come together with government and help in the area of mainstreaming ICTs into decentralization processes.
It is about time that ICTs are seen to be playing pivotal role in Zambia`s match to decentralization in our beloved country Zambia. Zambia is still moving towards real decentralization with full utilization if ICTs and the solution lies with new delivery channels that make innovative use of ICTs.
The solution that kick start service delivery to all Zambia and more importantly have new delivery channels that will make innovative use of information Communications and Technologies (ICTs), to handle public service is to be focussed and innovate.
The is need to mainstream and innovate as Zambia decentralizes more than 73 districts, the role of ICTs will has humbly been received with both hands. This is really given the country hope that hurdles that are being encountered especially when it comes to Decentralization and ICTs in our beloved country Zambia will removed at once.
It can be said in one sentence that the notion that Zambia can attain middle- income status in 2030 is intuitively appealing other countries have made the climb from farther down the economic development ladder; and the country has necessary attributes and capabilities. However, it will take exquisite planning, targeted actions, and unwavering tenacity.