Bridging the Digital Divide in Northern Uganda through Gender Tech

The Gender Tech Initiative-Uganda (GTI) operates in a region that suffered a two-decade war which began in 1986 and ended in 2006, resulting in the displacement of over 1.5 million people and the destruction of infrastructure and social systems, including education. This also contributed to the digital divide gap which is significant, with women and girls being disproportionately affected. According to a report by the Uganda Communications Commission, only 19% of women in Uganda have access to the internet, compared to 28% of men. This disparity is even more pronounced in rural areas, where only 8% of women have access to the internet. This presents a significant opportunity for GTI to make an impact in the lives of women and young girls in Uganda

GTI also recognizes the important role that science and technology play in economic development and seeks to equip women and girls in northern Uganda with the necessary skills to participate and thrive in the digital age. The organization offers a range of programs and initiatives, including Cyber security Training, Digital Marketing skills training and mentorship opportunities.

In addition to providing technical skills, GTI also addresses the social and cultural barriers that prevent women and girls from pursuing careers in science and technology. Through community outreach and awareness campaigns, the organization seeks to challenge gender stereotypes and promote the value of women's participation in the tech industry.

By empowering women and girls to embrace science and technology, GTI is not only bridging the digital divide in northern Uganda, but also creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. GTI is excited to partner with SUNY students through the SDG Project Challenge and invites engagement around the following project opportunities.

Interested students may select from the following project opportunities based on their interest and skill set. Please indicate preference within your application letter/email.

1. Provide mentorship to girls with the goal of helping them embrace STEM. At Gender Tech Initiative-Uganda (GTI) we are committed to bridging the gender gap in STEM and encouraging girls to embrace technology. To this end, we intend to conduct several mentorship programs for young girls to expose them to the world of science, engineering, and technology. And also partner with schools to lobby for opportunities for promising girls in STEM. 
   
2. Support women journalists with cyber security skills. With the rise of cyber threats and the increasing use of online platforms, it is important that female journalists understand how to protect their online presence. We intend to organize several training programs for female journalists to educate them on cyber threats and how to mitigate them. We believe that this will help to ensure that journalists can operate safely online while still doing their critical work without fear of reprisals.
3. Increase in the number of rural Market Women using Digital Marketing: With our digital marketing training from social media to e-commerce platforms, we believe this will help to create more opportunities and empower women in trade/business.
4. Digital literacy. Help women to access information, communicate effectively, and participate in the digital economy through basics of computer literacy, including how to use a keyboard, mouse, and basic computer software like Microsoft Word and Excel. 

Ruth Atim, Gender Techn Initiative, Uganda

Phone: +256760199692

Email: ruth.atim@gmail.com