Thoughts on how technology can advance gender equality within society

Gender equality is a fundamental human right, yet it is still a challenge in many parts of the world.

Despite significant progress made in recent years, women continue to face various forms of discrimination and inequalities in all areas of life, including education, employment, and access to resources.

Technology, however, has the potential to advance gender equality in society by providing new opportunities and tools for women to overcome social and economic barriers.

This can be achieved through the following:

• Online educational programs: Technology can provide access to educational programs and resources that empower girls and women to learn skills that will help them succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields. Online learning platforms, webinars, and virtual mentorship programs can be especially useful for women who live in rural areas and have limited access to educational opportunities.
• Digital financial services: Many women in Ghana lack access to traditional banking services, which limits their ability to participate fully in the economy. By using mobile banking, e-wallets, and other digital financial services, women can have greater control over their finances, access loans, and start their own businesses.
• Online marketplaces: Technology can provide women with a platform to sell their products and services online, which can help them expand their customer base and increase their revenue. Online marketplaces can also provide opportunities for women entrepreneurs to network and collaborate with other business owners.
• Social media campaigns: Social media platforms can be used to raise awareness about gender inequality issues and promote positive change. For example, social media campaigns can educate the public about the importance of gender equality, highlight success stories of women in various fields, and create a supportive community for women to share their experiences and challenges.
• Telemedicine: Technology can provide women with access to healthcare services, especially for those who live in remote areas where healthcare facilities are scarce. Telemedicine services can provide remote consultations, diagnosis, and treatment, which can help women to address their healthcare needs without the need for traveling long distances.
• Remote work opportunities: Technology can provide women with flexible work arrangements, which can help them balance work and family responsibilities. By working remotely, women can also access job opportunities that were previously unavailable to them due to geographic barriers or traditional gender roles.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): AI can be used to reduce gender bias in various industries, such as hiring, education, and healthcare. By removing human bias from decision-making processes, AI can help to create a more equitable society where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

In conclusion, while gender inequality remains a challenge worldwide, technology provides a powerful tool for advancing gender equality by offering new opportunities and tools for women to overcome social and economic barriers.

Through online educational programs, digital financial services, online marketplaces, social media campaigns, telemedicine, remote work opportunities, and artificial intelligence, women can access resources and opportunities that were previously unavailable to them. Personally, to harness the potential of technology, we can work towards creating a more equitable society where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of their gender.

WRITER: Rita Boateng is Customer Experience and Marketing Executive at Old Mutual Ghana