Women and girls in Baringo County will be empowered to embrace innovation and adapt to technological changes, a move that seeks to bridge the gender digital divide in the county.
Speaking during the Baringo County celebrations of 2023 International Women’s Day themed ” DigitAll: Innovation and technology for gender equality” at Kabarnet National Museum grounds, Baringo County Governor, H.E. Benjamin Cheboi noted that his administration is committed to advancing gender equality by allocating more spaces and opportunities for women in the County.
He said that despite the progress made in bridging the gender digital divide, statics still show that most women who are involved in entrepreneurship, agriculture and cultural spaces still do not know how to use digital platforms to market their products and services to reach their consumer base at the local, national, regional and global levels.
He pledged that his government shall empower women and girls to embrace new innovations and technological changes. “Baringo County government is committed to empowering women and girls to embrace innovation and adapt to technological changes so that we can achieve digital gender equality,” he said.
Further, he called on administrators to ensure that the capacity of women and girls is enhanced when it comes to procurement and tender opportunities at the county or national level.
“We have put measures in place to ensure that women entrepreneurs are supported by the county government. I have directed various directors to ensure that the procurement department builds the capacity of women on how to apply for procurement and tender opportunities at the county government,” said the Governor.
The Governor also said the county government will work together with the Vocational Training Colleges to improve digital literacy among women and girls.
In Kwale County, Kwale County Governor, H.E Fatuma Achani encouraged women to apply for tenders at the county level. She also promised to support the success of the County SGBV Bill.
In Busia, CECM Finance, Economic Planning and ICT, Mrs Topsister Wanyama affirmed the county’s commitment to prioritizing programs on innovation and technology by supporting the young women innovators. “The county is keen on integrating technology in its operations, therefore, there will be a lot of opportunities for young women innovators.
Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development supported this year’s IWD celebrations in Nairobi, Kwale, Busia and Kajiado counties. This year’s theme underscored the need for a gender-responsive approach toward innovation, technology and digital space.
By Carol Jebet, Vicky Kisilu and Sharon Ngaira
