If women hold up half the sky, why will it take over 138 years to close the gender pay gap? Why is the gap between men and women's access to the Internet estimated to be 250M? Why are women and girls not only under-represented as tech "consumers" but as tech creators?
A #ClosetheGap Twitter Chat earlier today focused on the Digital Gender Divide, providing some highly inspirational stories about efforts underway to elevate the opportunities available to women in the tech sector.
The chat was hosted by @TechSoup, @GlobalFundWomen, @WomenWhoCode & @mit_ide
One of the most inspirational stories was submitted by Isis-Women's International Cross-Cultural Exchange (Isis-WICCE) ( @IsisWICCE ) about their project to establish three women-only internet cafés by distributing computers to women’s groups in Uganda. Founded to “ignite women’s leadership, amplify their voices and deepen their activism in re-creating peace,” Isis is a feminist organization working in conflict and post-conflict areas.
Microsoft DigiGirlz Programs
This Microsoft YouthSpark program, targets young girls in middle and high school to provide them with information and training about careers in technology. The programs include DigiGirls Day workshops and tech camps.
MIT Inclusive Innovation Competition (IIC) and Career Girls weekly video clips will be posted at Career Girls to inspire young girls to pursue careers in the tech sector. The clips feature interviews with female winners of a 2016 IIC contest.
Global Fund For Women
“Access, control and the ability to access technology is a women's human rights issue,” suggests GFW. “Women and girls are not only under-represented as tech consumers but as tech creators.”
Check out GFWs 8 ways you can be a champion for women with our action toolkit
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