We need to see more involvement of women
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) encourages Indonesian women to boost their digital skills in order to narrow the digital learning gap and reduce gender disparities in the information and communication technology sector.

"We need to see more involvement of women," Secretary General of the ministry Mira Tayyiba stated during a virtual discussion on the Network of Women for World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-21) with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as quoted in a press release here on Wednesday.

According to the ministry's data, the gap in digital skills between men and women in Indonesia is one percent based on cellphone ownership, while the gap in internet usage capability reaches five percent.

"I think the problem of the gender gap in the use of information and communication technology during the pandemic has become more contextual," Tayyiba remarked.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, women's digital abilities were quite good as was reflected in the growth of online businesses that are mostly run by women.

Nonetheless, the gap in digital capabilities between women and men should be addressed by equipping Indonesian women with digital skills.

To reduce the gap, the ministry is pursuing a Digital Talent Scholarship Program through training on the Fresh Graduate Academy, Vocational School Graduate Academy and Professional Academy.

The scholarship for digital training also targets housewives and micro, small, and medium enterprises, so that they can capitalize on the online trading platform to market their products.

"Currently, around 80 to 90 percent of the alumni from the Digital Talent Scholarship Program apply new skills in their work," Tayyiba remarked.

Meanwhile, in the formulation of policies in the communication and informatics sector, Tayyiba believes the role of women as being quite important. The ministry currently has eight female leaders at the director level, thereby constituting 19 percent women at the director level in the ministry.

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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
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