By Matiffi Ngwira
Information technology lobby group, Information Communication Technology Association of Malawi –ICTAM, says government must formulate deliberate policies that encourage access of ICT services for the girl child as the globe commemorates the international day of the girl child.
Talking to Prime Time News, The Association’s President Bram Fuzulani said girls are marginalized when it comes to access to ICT services.
“We need deliberate policies that encourage and promote adoption and utilization of ICT more especially for the girl child” Fuzulani said.
He said high cost of the internet services and devices used are some of the challenges deterring girls from accessing ICT.
Fuzulani said: “You will find that most of the platforms deployed in our communities favor the male child hence the need to have policies that equally allow girls to have access to the latest devices that will enable them have access to the ICT services.
This year’s theme is leaning on Digital generation: Technology and innovation and as accelerators of girl’s bodily autonomy as the adopted theme.
Several organizations have marked the day with activities, including TV panel discussion, Open events and more.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a non-profit international organization, is holding a TV Panel Discussion on one of Malawi’s leading TV stations, Times TV.
Hosted by Blessings Mpinganjira, the discussion centers on amplifying a girl-child voice, giving them an opportunity to speak out with members of the panel from the Ministry of Gender, the Police, civil society, girl-focused organizations and Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
AHF complements efforts of the Ministry of Health to combat HIV/AIDS in Malawi. Its services are focused on HIV/AIDS Care and treatment, HIV prevention, policy and advocacy and health systems strengthening.
The Head of a leading Children, youth and Women rights advocacy organization, Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO), MacBain Mkandawire, through his Facebook post reminded authorities to enforce protection of young girls who have access to ICT services.
He says: “as we get into ‘Digital Generation, our generation’ we need to think seriously about child sexual exploitation including trafficking of girls though cyber space”.
In its message marking the day which is published on its official website, UNFPA, says digital connectivity for all girls is critical for human rights and can improve girls’ bodily autonomy, decision-making, and movement building as virtual formats and digital connectivity expand and open new opportunities for girls.
In 2011, UNFPA under the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution adopting 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child, recognizing girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls around the world face realizing them.
