Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany has called on women to embrace digital technology to empower themselves economically and promote gender equality. Speaking during the International Women’s Day commemoration in Cheptais, Mt. Elgon Sub County, Mbatiany urged women to embrace technology to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and insecurity in the region. She noted that only 40% of women in Bungoma County embrace technology, according to a survey by her office.
“Embracing technology will enable women to do away with some vices in the society including Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases and insecurity in the region”, said Mbatiany. She added that embracing technology would enable women to report cases of GBV in time and exchange ideas to curb the vice in society. Mbatiany also noted that women should embrace technology to reduce cases of insecurity, which disproportionately affect women and children.
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To enhance access to digital technology, Mbatiany called on the Ministry of Information Communication and the Digital Economy to increase Wi-Fi access centers in rural areas in Bungoma County. She also urged national, polytechnic and tertiary institutions to prioritize digital technology training for women to help them earn a source of income.
“As we celebrate this day, I want us to reflect on the strides made so far in championing women issues across the globe, the place of innovation and technology in the gender equality discourse and space”, Mbatiany said. She added that the County Government of Bungoma is committed to supporting women empowerment programs across all nine sub-counties, with more budget set to be allocated to the Gender Department to enhance service delivery.
