Luanda: The director of the Registry and Administrative Modernisation Office of Cunene Province, Pel¡gio Pukulukeni, has urged women and girls to pursue careers in technology, aiming to increase their involvement in projects that significantly impact citizens' lives.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Pukulukeni made these remarks during an interview commemorating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11. He emphasized the importance of promoting and mobilizing female participation in the STEM fields-science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Pukulukeni elaborated that digital inclusion extends beyond merely learning to use computers; it involves empowering Angolan women with the skills to create and innovate technology rather than just consume it. He views the digital domain as a crucial platform for reporting gender-based violence and engaging in public management discussions, thereby fostering closer connections between citizens and institutions through public service portals.
In his address, Pukulukeni pointed out the advantages of digital learning platforms and online libraries, which have enabled girls in remote areas to access educational content and technical courses without needing to travel. Despite these advancements, he acknowledged significant disparities highlighted by the National Institute of Statistics, which reveals that internet access is available to 26% of men compared to just 16% of women, with rural areas showing an even starker gap at about two percent overall access.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, established by the United Nations in 2015, aims to acknowledge the pivotal role women play in science and technology and to promote equal access to these fields. It seeks to dismantle stereotypes, encourage scientific careers, and celebrate women's contributions to these domains.
