Background
"Digital generation. Our generation"
Since 2012, the 11th of October annually is globally celebrated as the International Day of the Girl Child. It recognizes the significance, power, and potential of adolescent girls by encouraging and opening up opportunities. That will eliminate gender-based challenges that girls face, including but not limited to child marriages, poor learning opportunities, violence, and discrimination.
The theme for 2021 is “Digital Generation, Our Generation” COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital platforms for learning, earning and connecting, while also highlighting girls’ diverse digital realities.
Globally, the internet user gender gap increased from 11% in 2013 to 17% in 2019; the percentage of females among Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates is below 15% in over two-thirds of countries; only 22 percent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals globally are women; and 2.2 billion people below the age of 25 do not have internet access, with girls more likely to be cut off.
Hence, there is a need for a strong generational gender lens to the digital divide if we are to achieve meaningful and sustainable change for a digital revolution by, with and for all.
In commemoration of this year’s International day of the girl child, the Keeping Girls in School in Africa Network is rolling out a series of activities towards closing the digital gender gap
Activity Objective
- To create awareness
- To provide a platform for girls to learn about opportunities in the digital age and how they can participate.
- To call the attention of stakeholders on the power and diversity of adolescent girls as digital change-makers in addressing the challenges and opportunities they face in their digital worlds
- To inspire girls to know their digital realities and the solutions they need to excel on their diverse pathways as technologists for freedom of expression, joy, and boundless potential.