Opinion: How we can reduce the digital gender divide
Share
International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on what we can do to empower women to reach their full potential. The United Nation’s theme for 2023 is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.
The past few years have highlighted the sad reality that there is a significant “digital divide” when it comes to those that have access to the internet, devices and technology and digital literacy skills and those who do not.
According to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index, 11% of Australians are highly excluded from technology and the internet. This digital divide impacts income inequality, career progression, ability to access services, and increases social isolation.
This gap affects all generations and communities, however, is larger for females than for males. Men are 21% more likely to be online than women according to the World Wide Web Foundation.
This has a flow-on effect with females who lack digital skills finding it harder to realise their potential and progress their learning. They also face additional barriers to finding employment and career progression.
Our commitment to digital inclusion
Despite these statistics, there are two key ways in which we can support creating a more gender-equal world in the digital era we live in today.
Firstly, we can support and empower women by providing them with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate an increasingly online world. Technology saturates every aspect of modern living and providing those who don’t have access to or cannot afford, equipment to get online is crucial to closing the gap.
Everyone should have access to digital technologies, information and services available online. We know it takes skill, confidence, tools and time to become tech-savvy. At Macquarie Community College we provide several courses and programs tailored to an individual’s computer skill level. This includes a basic computer skills course to help learners develop their digital capabilities for personal use, study or work and gain confidence using a computer.
We provide subsidies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability and migrants/refugees who are unemployed or underemployed, as part of the NSW Government’s Adult and Community Education (ACE) Program.
The second step to reduce the digital gender divide is for us to celebrate the contribution females are making to technology and education. A shout-out to our trainers, teachers and students that are using or creating technology and innovation as part of their life and work.
The power of learning and connection
The majority of our students, staff and directors at Macquarie Community College are female. It’s not just what our students learn in the classrooms that help to empower them. We see the connections and friendships they make face-to-face on campus or on Zoom.
We aim to practice diversity and inclusion every day so that the College is an equitable place to learn and connect with others. We live our commitment to make our students feel welcome, supported and respected no matter where they are starting from or where they are heading on their digital journey.
We know our students meet role models along the way. We hear about the boost to their confidence and self-esteem gained from acquiring new skills and expanding their digital knowledge. We see the pride in their achievements as they complete their work placements, their projects and their computer courses.
Enjoy this International Women’s Day and take a moment to celebrate the fabulous women in your life that have made a difference, empowered you, helped you reach your potential and made our communities stronger. And while you are at it pick up the phone or send them an email to say ‘Thank you’! Together let’s reduce the digital gender divide.
Related: Opinion: Adult community education a solution for solving the aged care workforce shortage?
Theresa is the CEO of Macquarie Community College, bringing more than 20 years of local and international not-for-profit education experience. She is the Deputy Chair of Community Colleges Australia and is a graduate of the AICD Company Director’s Course. Her qualifications also include an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and a Diploma in Financial Markets.
