A significant gender gap in digital technology adoption and skills among young African women was threatening to limit their access to education, employment, and economic empowerment, a new report has warned. The report, released by Caribou Digital and the Mastercard Foundation on Friday, found that young African women face a range of barriers to digital inclusion, including limited access to digital infrastructure, lack of digital literacy, and societal norms that discourage them from pursuing careers in technology. According to the report, the gender gap in digital technology adoption and skills could have far-reaching consequences, including limiting the ability of young African women to access information, networks, and opportunities, and potentially exacerbating existing gender inequalities. “Key findings from the report show a concerning gender gap, with young African women lagging in digital technology use. Commenting on the report, Research & Insights Manager, Caribou Digital, Grace Natabaalo, said the report was a collection of voices empowered by the benefits of digital access and marginalised by the significant barriers preventing their full participation in this burgeoning technological age.

Source: Punch June 02, 2024 11:26 UTC