UASA Media Release: 06 March 2023
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
With digitisation at the centre of production, growth and sustainability, it is sad that South Africa’s women – as elsewhere in the world – are still left behind. South Africa is one of the countries that has not fully embraced women’s capabilities in technology and innovation.
As a pioneer advocating for women’s skills development and growth, UASA calls for organised labour, organisations and government to include women in information and communications technology (ICT).
On Wednesday, 8 March 2023, International Women’s Day will be celebrated under the theme DigitALL world: innovation and technologies for gender equality, while gender inequality in ICT is still deeply entrenched.
We need to take into consideration the rapid evolution of the world of work with digitalisation and automation, especially the impact of the digital gender gap, which will continues to widen gender-based inequalities in our sectors and society.
We take note of initiatives such as Women in Mining, Women in Technology and scarce skills development support for women; however, women need real opportunities to be the change the world needs.
UASA is a long-time supporter of the call by the IndustriALL Global Union for trade unions to step in and ensure that public and corporate policies lead to a gender-based equal share of opportunities in the digital world.
However, according to the United Nations, only 2 in every ten women worldwide hold jobs in science, engineering and ICT.
UASA also takes note of the International Labour Organisation and others’ efforts in addressing inequality, discrimination and unfairness in terms of job and study opportunities for women.
Women continue to fight long-standing social and economic challenges, including inequality, discrimination, gender-based violence, the gender pay gap, access to education, and reputable positions in the workplace.
History has shown us that knowledge and innovation are not determined by gender. Let no one be left behind.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.