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Conference on ICT and Girls Empowerment held in Dhaka |
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As in many developing nations, girls in Bangladesh are still not enjoying equal educational, economic, and social opportunities. ICT has brought new opportunities for girls in Bangladesh as well as around the world. Girls need to access to ICT for the same reasons as boys. They need to learn ICT skills for their educational achievements, personal development, and employment opportunities. However, the capacity of girls to take advantage of the new technologies as tools for empowerment is restricted by socio-economic and cultural factors. Development experts remarked these in the conference titled ICT and Girls Empowerment. Relief International-Schools Online in collaboration with Democracy Watch organized the day-long event at 10 am on 12 December 2007 at BIAM Auditorium in Dhaka.
Ms. Taleya Rehman, Executive Director of Democracy Watch and the Chief Guest at the conference advised participating girls to learn English language to take benefits of ICT and to be able to actively participate in the internet based cross cultural collaborations. She mentioned that using the new ICT such as internet girls in rural areas will be able to connect them to the world and learn a lot, which will eventually enhance their employment opportunities.
Mr. Harvey W. Sernovitz, Deputy Director of American Center in Dhaka said that GCE projects create a sense of empowerment for youth who might otherwise have a difficult time affirming themselves and showcasing their talent and potential. Often, GCE online and service activities are the first occasions for youth to be leaders, trainers and innovators in their schools and communities. Acquiring technological skills also puts youth in a better position to participate in the national and global economies, hence providing them with more opportunities and stronger voices.
The daylong conference was vibrating with enthusiasms and wide participation of GCE girls and boys students from across Bangladesh. During the afternoon session, girls and boys students were involved in a brainstorming session using VIPP (Visualization in Participatory Planning) cards to chalk out the everyday obstacles for girls in using ILC and participate in GCE online activities. Some girls’ students mentioned that sometimes they are discouraged by their parents and brothers to go to ILC. They recommend that schools should take initiative to motivate their parents so they are encouraged by their families to participate in ILC activities.
Picture Gallery
Media coverage
ICT offers new opportunities for girls’, The Daily Star, 13 December 2007
ICT empower girls, The Daily Independent, 14 December 2007 |
