The Sunday Mail
Kuda Bwititi
Chief Reporter
Children, particularly girls, are vulnerable to cybercrime and need protection from vices that pervade the internet, First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has said.
The First Lady’s call comes at a time increased internet activity, due to global lockdowns necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, has exposed children to increased abuse and crimes committed on digital platforms. Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has been campaigning for online safety upon realisation of the vulnerability of children to pornography, identity theft and other cybercrimes.
In a televised address to mark the virtual commemoration of International ICT Day yesterday, the First Lady said children needed protection from all forms of toxic exposure through ICTs.
“Let me hasten to remind young women and girls, under the sound of my voice today (yesterday), that technology, as great as it is, has its negative impact that they should guard against,” she said.
“Children remain vulnerable in the cyberspace. Cyber security and child online protection is now a global priority, which requires collective effort from governments, regulators, service providers, parents and children themselves, to create awareness and protection against any forms of toxic exposure, exploitation and violence, whilst using ICTs.”
The First Lady said ICTs were critical in ensuring that people remain connected during coronavirus pandemic.
“This day comes at a time when the world is grappling with the deadly coronavirus pandemic,” she said.
“Its toll on human life is growing exponentially every day. While countries around the world, including our own, Zimbabwe, are working tirelessly to flatten the curve of infections, Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become a crucial means to ensure that society remains connected despite this global crisis.
“ICTs have made it possible for me to address you today (yesterday).”
The First Lady, who is also an ambassador for the advancement of women and girls, said ICTs played a leading role in capacitating women.
She said the global workspace demanded compulsory use of ICTs in all aspects of life, thereby encouraging equal opportunities for both men and women.
“This day, to me, is evidence of the reality that science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of internationally agreed development goals,” said the First Lady.
“This includes the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are scaring women and girls from science-related fields.
“This needs our consistent effort to turnaround and change the status quo.
“We must applaud the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, together with POTRAZ and the entire ICT sector for this commendable initiative that empowers young women and girls in this increasingly digital world.”
In his address, Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Government was committed to ensure equitable access and utilisation of ICTs.
“The vision is to create knowledge-based society with ubiquitous connectivity,” he said.
“To achieve this vision, we will sustain our efforts in developing gender receptive policies, ensure access to ICTs by women and girls, build digital capacities through developing content and applications that meet women’s needs, including women in ICT sector, positions of decision making and strengthening international cooperation in the area of access and participation of women and girls in technology.”
Government, Dr Muswere said, was augmenting availability of communications infrastructure in the country through community information centres, innovation hubs and promotion of e-learning.
This year’s International Girls in ICT Day, which ordinarily would have been celebrated on April 23, but was pushed forward due to the coronavirus pandemic, ran under the theme “Inspiring the next generation”.
