Create equal opportunities for girls in IT - Prof Diyawu appeals

Correspondence from the Northern Region

The Executive Director of the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS), Prof Diyawu Mumin, has called for equal opportunities for girls in Information and Communication Technology in the country.

As the country invests heavily in technology, Prof Diyawu said there is the need for girls and children with disability to be encouraged to take career paths in the digital industry as that sector is the future of world.

Prof Diyawu was speaking at the National Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED Ghana) in Tamale last Wednesday.

He emphasised that technology, when used intentionally and equitably, can serve as an equalizer, breaking down barriers that hinder progress and development, such as geography, gender, disability, and socio-economic circumstances.

"We must ensure that the bright future we envision welcomes every girl, every child with a disability, and every learner in rural and underserved communities.

"When used intentionally and equitably, technology becomes an equalizer, breaking down barriers of geography, gender, disability, and social circumstances," Prof Mumin said.

Prof Mumin also underscored the need for Ghana to make the right decisions regarding the future of its digital industry.

He stressed that the choices made today will shape the nation’s future leaders and determine the success of its digital transformation.

"Across the world, societies are accelerating towards a digital future, where the ability to access information, use technology, and create knowledge defines the opportunities available to every child, every family, and every nation.

"Here in Ghana, we stand at a defining moment. The decisions we make today, the partnerships we build, the investments we prioritize, and the values we uphold will shape the next generation of thinkers, innovators, creators, and leaders” he added.

Prof Mumin commended CAMFED for its ongoing efforts to empower women and girls in Ghanaian communities, noting that its model of collective action, mentorship, and lifelong empowerment is key to national development.

“Over the years, CAMFED has demonstrated that when you empower a girl, you empower an entire community. When you support a young woman to learn, to lead, and to innovate, you uplift families and build generational change.

"Your model of collective action, mentorship, and lifelong empowerment is not only inspiring but also essential to national development,” he added.

The national stakeholders’ meeting of CAMFED was on the theme; ‘Empowering the Next Generation Through Education’ and brought together various stakeholders including traditional and opinion leaders, educationists, teachers and students and CAMFED beneficiaries across the Northern Region.

Esther Akomaning, the Board Chair of CAMFED reiterated its commitment towards complementing government’s efforts to achieve its education and women empowerment goals.