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Runesu Gwidi Masvingo Correspondent
THE Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) is working on a raft of measures to reduce the disparities in opportunities for men and women in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector.

The authority yesterday hosted the International Girls in ICT commemoration at Gokomere High School in Masvingo.

The International Girls in ICT Day, was put in place by the United Nations, in collaboration with International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and has been celebrated in over 150 countries around the world since 2012.

POTRAZ’s head of corporate communications and international relations, Mrs Sibonginkosi Muteyiwa said it high time women and girls discarded the primitive notion that (ICT) was a preserve for their male counterparts.

She said this year’s event, which ran under the theme: “Expand Horizons, Change Attitudes”, was aimed at exploring ICT-related training and career opportunities for girls.

“There is a gender disparity in the taking up of Science subjects in schools, colleges and universities,” said Mrs Muteyiwa.

“Our quest to empower girls with regards to opportunities in the ICT sector arises from several studies showing that fewer girls and women are taking up science subjects and careers.”

Air Zimbabwe (Airzim) first officer Ms Chipo Gatsi, who was guest of honour at the event said the Girls in ICT Day commemorations sought to increase the number of female students taking up ICT at all levels of the education system.

She became the first young female to join Air-Zimbabwe as a pilot in 2010 at the age of 20 after completing a Professional Pilot Course in Port Elizabeth in South Africa.

“I have developed a passion to study science subjects and taking up the Professional Pilot Course, despite the fact the field is said to be the preserve for our male counterparts.

“In line with Government’s thrust to become a digital economy, I encourage young girls and women in general stand above the stereotypic barriers and take up science subjects and courses.

“There is no job designed for a particular sex,” said Ms Gatsi.

The director of ICT in the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Dr Beaullah Chirume said Government was seized with increasing productivity through the growth of the ICT industry.

She said the empowerment of girls was a boon for economic revival.

“We appeal to girls and women to re-double their commitment to participate in the ICT industry.

“You will note that many pressing socio-economic issues can be addressed through ICTs.

“It is Government’s vision that many of its manufacturing plants be ICT-driven to ensure maximum productivity,” she said.

POTRAZ is rolling out programmes to promote the teaching of ICT related subjects and also sponsoring awards for pupils.

The event was also attended by the provincial education director for Masvingo, Mr Zedius Chitiga, telecommunications operators, among others.