By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar emphasized the importance of women adopting technological advancements during the 18th Annual General Assembly of the Philippine Federation of Local Councils of Women (PFLCW).
“This is crucial as we face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the digital age,” Villar stated.
“By doing so, we can empower women to become leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers in the digital economy,” she added.
However, she noted that the gender digital divide hinders women’s digital empowerment.
Globally, 70 percent of men use the internet compared to 65 percent of women. In low and middle-income countries, she pointed out that women are 15 percent less likely to use mobile internet.
Moreover, Villar highlighted that only 24 percent of women globally enroll in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courses.
This, she said, leads to a shortage of skilled workers.
“We are missing the potential contributions of over half our population in developing a strong digital economy,” she remarked.
(el Amigo/MNM)
