Leveraging Technology at the RSCE
Photo: Elysee Niyigena
31st March 2023
Women in computer and mathematical jobs represent only 28% of the workforce and 15.9% in engineering and architecture according to the World Bank. Some of the barriers they face at work are related to gender bias, unequal opportunities, and unfair payments.
To explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities, the United Nations Systems marked this year’s Women’s Day under the theme “DigitAll: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”
“We need action on several fronts to make sure women and girls can make their full contribution to the world’s knowledge through science and technology. We must break down barriers from discriminatory data to stereotypes that push girls away from studying scientific subjects at an early age”, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his opening remarks.
At the UN Regional Service Centre Entebbe, the Women’s Day event hosted representatives from Digital Woman Uganda and Women in Tech Uganda, organizations that advocate and train women and girls to participate in the digital space. RSCE staff could also hear from their female cohorts about how gender bias has impacted their daily lives at work.
Grace Nakulima, Information Systems Assistant at the RSCE’s Regional Field Technology Service, is responsible for ensuring that the internet connection at the base runs at high speed and with minimal interruption. Sometimes, she finds herself working in manholes or getting up a ladder to lay cables and run the fiber: A male-dominated field.
“When people are passing by, they think I am displaced and it demoralizes me as a person”, she said.
Caroline Mungai, Application Administrator at the RSCE, faces a similar problem. She is the one supporting new UN staff to set up their computers when they first join the organization.
“Some of them start referring back to a man who helped them before. But the minute you do your job, the client realizes you can actually do it. You gain back your confidence and you’re able to redeem yourself,” said Caroline.
For the Deputy Director of the RSCE, Nalini Contreras, all staff must work together to make the RSCE and the UN a more equal place to work.
“If we are consistent in our efforts inside and outside of the organization, we will create a culture of equality, and one day your daughter, your wife, your mother, and your sister will reap the same rewards,” said Nalini.
“Technology can help overcome societal and structural barriers that limit women’s ability to participate in society on the same level as their male counterparts. So, with strong advocacy on the one hand and technological tools on the other, the road to gender equality can be shortened”, concluded the Deputy Director.
