Women's empowerment has been recognized as a critical component in achieving sustainable development in Africa. Yet, women in rural areas face numerous challenges, including gender inequality, poverty, limited access to education and healthcare and social exclusion. However, with the rise of telecom and technology, there are now opportunities to address some of the challenges women face in rural areas and empower them to participate more fully in their communities.
One of the ways to empower women in rural areas of Africa is by providing education and vocational training. Women's education has been linked to higher productivity, increased income and better health outcomes. One of the most significant opportunities presented by telecom and technology is the ability to provide education to women in rural areas. With access to the internet and mobile devices, women can connect to educational resources and opportunities that were once out of reach. This includes online courses and training programs that can help women develop the skills and knowledge they need to participate in the workforce and improve their livelihoods, for example, the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training (an initiative under its Youth Development Portfolio).
Telecom and technology can also be used to improve women’s access to healthcare services. In many rural areas of Africa, women face significant challenges accessing healthcare due to their remote locations and limited resources. However, with telemedicine, women can now receive medical consultations and treatment remotely, reducing the need for them to travel long distances to access healthcare services. Of the top telemedicine providers ranked by market share, Zoom is number one; it dominates the telehealth space with a market share of 32.32%. Despite being a general telecommunications software, Zoom is the dominant telehealth vendor with 1,561 installations. Cisco ranks second with 583 installations and a market share of 12.07%. Lastly, there is Microsoft, with a 4.82% market share.
Mobile technology can also be used to empower women economically. With access to mobile banking services, women in rural areas can access financial services and make transactions without having to travel long distances. This can help them save time and money and improve their ability to participate in economic activities. Mobile money has become big business for telecommunications providers in Africa. Approximately 144 mobile money providers operate in Sub-Saharan Africa, with notable companies such as M-Pesa, MoMo and Orange Money accounting for a significant share of the market.
Additionally, telecom and technology can be used to address gender-based violence and discrimination against women in rural areas. Mobile phones and social media can be used to raise awareness about these issues and provide women with information on where they can seek support and assistance.
Boosting Women's Empowerment in Telecom and Tech
To improve the role of women in the telecom and technology sector in both rural and urban areas, the following steps can be taken:
- Encouraging STEM Education: Encouraging women to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education can help create a pipeline of qualified candidates for the telecom and technology sector. This can be done through mentorship programs, scholarships and outreach initiatives.
- Advancing Career Growth: The telecom and technology sector can help support women’s career growth and development. This can be done through professional organizations, conferences and industry events.
- Creating a Gender-Inclusive Culture: Creating a gender-inclusive culture in the telecom and technology sector is essential for attracting and retaining women in the field. This can be done through policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Providing Access to Technology: Providing women with access to technology is essential for their participation in the telecom and technology sector. This can be done through programs that provide access to computers, smartphones and other technology devices, as well as initiatives that promote digital literacy.
- Addressing Gender Bias and Discrimination: Addressing gender bias and discrimination in the telecom and technology sector is essential for creating an equitable and inclusive workplace. This can be done through policies and initiatives that address discrimination and promote gender equality.
- Encouraging Women's Entrepreneurship: Encouraging women's entrepreneurship in the telecom and technology sector can help create opportunities for women to start their own businesses and become leaders in the field. This can be done through entrepreneurship programs, access to funding and mentorship opportunities.
In conclusion, telecom and technology have the potential to play a significant role in empowering women in the rural areas of Africa. With access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, women can become active agents of change in their communities and contribute to sustainable development. Telecom and technology are used nowadays to address gender-based violence and discrimination, creating more equitable and just societies. As such, it is crucial that governments, NGOs and private sector actors continue to invest in telecom and technology infrastructure and services to empower women in rural areas across the continent.
