| Zimbabwe joined the rest ofthe world in commemorating Girls in ICT on 6 June 2020 under the themeinspiring the next generation. The event was held remotely and broadcast on tv,radio and live streamed on various social media platforms generating views ofover 5000 because of the global pandemic COVID-19. Her Excellency the First Lady of theRepublic of Zimbabwe Cde Amai A Mnangagwa was the guest of honour for the eventas an ambassador for the advancement of women and girls. She believes that toachieve full economic and gender equality women must be capacitated through ICTto be able to participate equally in all economic activities. The globalworkspace deliberately encourages equality between men and women through theremoval of long standing biases and gender stereotypes. Especially now whenICT’s have become a crucial means to ensure that society remains connectedduring the coronavirus pandemic. During his remarks, TheMinister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Hon Dr Jenfan Muswere noted thatthe theme Inspiring the next generation resonates well with the thrust of theZimbabwe Government to bridge the digital gender divide in line with thesustainable development goals. Initiatives like Girls in ICT are commendable toaddress issues of gender parity especially as the world grapples with thecorona virus pandemic that has changed the way people work and live. The following inspirational womenin ICT’s participated in an online dialogue to share views on gender andtechnology - Mrs Georgina Chingonzo from the Ministry of ICT, Postal andCourier Services, Mavis Maunganidze Universal Services Manager at the Postaland Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, Maidei Muchena Kwendafrom Liquid Telecom, Wadzanai Gopo from Econet Wireless, Patricia Majero from NetOne,Rosemary Moyo from TelOne, Vanessa Gous from Dandemutande, Fadzai Zivanai from Teleceland Nelia Musonza from Powertel. The discussion explored how tobridge the gender digital divide and encourage and empower young women andgirls to take up ICT related careers. The panelists chronicled their journeyson how they got into ICT’s, challenges that they faced and the wide range ofopportunities available for women now and in the future. They also discussedhow best ICT’s can be used whilst people work and learn from home during thecoronavirus pandemic, how best to improve connectivity issues and improvingaccess to communication gadgets. This dialogue generated alot of interest from viewers who echoed similar sentiments on how women need tobe encouraged to take up technology to improve their lives. Tanatswa Gambakweand informatics student noted that ICTs are playing a critical role ofmaintaining social distance during this global pandemic. People are able toconnect online and work from home, ICTs are being usedfor educational purposes during this COVID 19 Pandemic. Students are able tocommunicate and conduct lessons with their teachers/lectures using thedifferent platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom and Skype. The next generation of women can beencouraged and can be empowered to take up ICT’s. #Stay home, stay safe and stay connected
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