Banda-Ahenkro, October 15, 2023
In the nation’s quest to nurture good future leaders and responsible citizens, parents as key stakeholders owe it a great responsibility to carefully monitor their children and constructively advice them on societal values and strange behavioral change.
Parents and guardians are to increase surveillance on their children, particularly the girl-child to prevent them from the negative impact of digital transformation and forster positive digital culture.
This demands conscious effort to observe and ensure that technological tools and internet available does not expose them to activities with negative consequences.
Mrs Mavis Wiafe, the programs Director for the Women in Livelihood Development (WiLD), a non governmental organization has called.
WiLD is with the objective of promoting women Rights, advocating for livelihood development including increasing women’s access to land and other productive resources in the Banda District of the Bono Region.
A press release jointly signed by Mrs Wiafe and Mrs. Esther Foriwaa, the Executive Director of WiLD emphasized the critical need for parents and guardians to monitor their children to ensure that phones and other technical gadgets available are only use for education and livelihoods development purposes for a better future.
The release was to mark this year’s international Day of Girl-child under the theme: “Digital Generation, our Generation”.
According to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres “Women and girls can lead us to a fairer future…. let us amplify girls voices, and recommit to working together to build a world where every girl can lead and thrive”, the release said.
It added as we strive for a more inclusive and egalitarian society, it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role that digitalization plays in empowering young girls and shaping them into successful women tomorrow.
The release outlined vital roles digital transformation could perform in the life of the girl child, saying digital era has opened up endless possibilities for the girl child, allowing them to access knowledge, education, and opportunities that were once limited or unavailable.
Access to education
The release explained digitalization is therefore essential for the girl child’s development and will help shape them to become resourceful woman tomorrow through the easy “access to education” offers.
Digitalization has revolutionized education to become more accessible and affordable.
The release stated with online learning platforms, educational apps, and interactive digital tools, girls can now acquire knowledge from the comfort of their homes to empower them to overcome traditional barriers to education, such as distance, cultural constraints and lack of resources.
Digitalization also ensures every girl has the chance to receive a quality education, becoming a stepping stone towards a brighter future.
Skills Development Opportunities
Through digitalization, a wide range of opportunities are now available for the girl child. They can have access to online courses, vocational training programs on e-learning platforms to acquire valuable skills in areas such as coding, design, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
These digital skills equip them to excel in the digital economy, opening doors to various career paths and enhancing their employability prospects.
Economic Empowerment
Digitalization has the power to create economic opportunities for the girl child, enabling them to become self-reliant and financially independent.
With the rise of e-commerce, remote work, and digital entrepreneurship, girls can leverage these platforms to start their businesses, market their products, and gain financial autonomy.
The release emphasized by the responsible use of digitalization, young girls can break free from traditional gender roles, contributing to economic growth and becoming influential women in their communities.
Gender Equality:
The release stressed digitalization has the potential to break down gender barriers and foster gender equality. Girls can through digital platforms raise their voices, access information, and participate in decision-making processes.
Digitalization also amplifies their stories, challenge stereotypes, and serves as a catalyst for societal change.
By embracing technological engagement, the girl-child can become an agent of change, advocating for women’s rights, and challenging gender inequalities that persist in society.
Personal development.
The release highlighted that digitalization provides the girl-child with opportunities for personal growth and self-expression. Through social media, blogging, and online communities, girls can connect with peers, share experiences, and build supportive networks.
This fosters self-confidence, creativity, leadership skills and prepare them for the challenges they may face as women in the future.
Governments, organizations, and communities should work together to bridge the digital divide and create an inclusive environment for the girl-child.
By investing in digital literacy programs, providing infrastructure support, and fostering a positive digital culture, the nation can secure a brighter future for the girl- child and ensure they grow confidently into empowered woman ready to conquer societal challenges.
By so doing, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 4, 5 and 10 would automatically to achieved.