Let's Talk Human Rights

By Bryn Heath & Olive Ekoh

Empowering Change and Encouraging Community: My Journey as a Communications and Social Media Intern with Gender Tech Initiative Uganda

Bryn 

Technology has the power to drive change. This summer, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the nonprofit organization Gender Tech Initiative Uganda (GTI-U) as a communications and social media intern. The organization’s mission is simple: “Empower women and young girls with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the digital world.” Gender Tech Initiative Uganda is dedicated to bridging the digital divide between men and women in Uganda. My role as a communications and social media intern began at the intersection of technology and gender equality through digital advocacy. This formative experience broadened my professional horizons, deepened my understanding of technology, and strengthened my passion for global human rights advocacy. 

My role as a social media intern required me to create content for a variety of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok that educates, inspires, and mobilizes. I was responsible for crafting engaging social media content in alignment with Gender Tech Initiative Uganda’s mission. 

Social media is not just about broadcasting messages; it’s about creating a community. My role involved interacting with followers and fostering a supportive online environment. Witnessing how GTI-U’s digital platforms could serve as a space for dialogue, support, and collective action was inspiring. 

Navigating the fast-paced world of social media while staying true to Gender Tech Initiative Uganda’s mission required balancing creativity with strategy and critical thinking. My role challenged me to adapt quickly, analyze engagement metrics, and refine my content based on feedback. This experience has honed my skills in digital communication and strategic content planning. It’s been an inspiration to see how Gender Tech Initiative Uganda harnesses this potential to create a tangible impact. This role has been a tremendous learning experience and a reminder of the power of digital platforms in shaping social progress. 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to work within the nonprofit sector and witness the positive changes unfolding in the intersection of gender and technology. 

Bridging the Gap: Gender Disparities in AI Access and Intersectionality in Tech in Africa

Olive

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various sectors globally, offering immense potential for economic growth and societal development. However, in Africa, the benefits of AI are not equally accessible to all, with significant gender disparities evident in both access and use. These disparities are not just about technology but are deeply rooted in broader social, economic, and cultural contexts. This blog explores these gender disparities and examines the intersectional barriers that hinder women's participation in the tech sector in Africa.

Survey conducted on this topic showed that many women are aware of AI enabled technology although the extent of AI access varies regionally. Also the frequency of AI usage is notably high as some women use AI daily or weekly and the primary areas where AI is applied include work, education and personal use. This shows that these domains benefit most from AI advancements.

The barriers and challenges that hinder women's access to and utilization of tech include economic issues, poor internet connectivity, sociocultural norms and many more. Economic constraints are a primary factor limiting access to AI in Africa. The cost of AI technologies, such as advanced computing systems and smart devices, remains prohibitively high for many individuals and small businesses. This economic barrier disproportionately affects women, who generally have less financial autonomy and fewer resources compared to men. As a result, women are less likely to invest in AI technologies, perpetuating the gender gap in tech.

Education is another critical barrier. In many African countries, girls are less likely to receive education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This educational gap translates into fewer women pursuing careers in AI and related technologies. Without the necessary skills and knowledge, women are less equipped to engage with and benefit from AI advancements.

Societal norms and traditional gender roles also play a significant role in the gender disparity in AI access. In many African cultures, women are expected to prioritize household responsibilities over professional or academic pursuits. This expectation limits the time and resources women can devote to learning about and using AI technologies. Additionally, there is often a cultural bias that views technology as a male domain, further discouraging women from participating in the tech sector.

To limit or resolve these challenges faced by women, some strategies need to be devised such as strengthening educational pathways, enhancing digital literacy and skills, measures to address socio-cultural barriers should be developed such as community sensitization about the importance of AI in routine tasks; opportunities to provide financial support should be considered for the purchase and maintenance of AI tech, implementing of policy interventions such as flexible working environment to help women adapt to both career and family life styles and promoting inclusive AI development by allowing women to be part of software development.

Intersectionality refers to how different forms of discrimination, such as those based on gender, race, class, and age, intersect and compound each other. In the context of tech in Africa, intersectionality means that women, particularly those from marginalized communities, face multiple layers of barriers. These barriers include not only gender discrimination but also racial and economic marginalization, which collectively hinder their access to and participation in AI and other tech fields.

The major barrier in tech that has caused discrimination for women is economic barriers. This can be addressed through targeted interventions such as providing financial support and resources to women in tech. Initiatives that offer scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities for women pursuing STEM education can help bridge the economic gap. Additionally, supporting women entrepreneurs in tech through funding and mentorship programs can promote greater gender diversity in the AI sector.

Government policies play a crucial role in addressing gender disparities in tech. Policies that promote gender equality in education and the workplace, enforce anti-discrimination laws, and support work-life balance can create a more inclusive environment for women in tech. Moreover, policies that mandate equal representation of women in decision-making positions within tech companies and government bodies can help address the systemic bias that perpetuates gender disparities.

The gender disparities in access and use of AI in Africa are deeply intertwined with broader social, economic, and cultural factors. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach that includes economic support, educational initiatives, and policy interventions. By recognizing and addressing the intersectional barriers that women face, we can create a more inclusive and equitable tech sector in Africa, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all.

Ruth, the Managing Director of GTIU, succinctly captures the essence of this challenge: "Tech is expensive, and many people especially women are not exposed to AI." Her insight underscores the necessity of targeted efforts to bridge both economic and knowledge gaps. Additionally, her experience with gender bias in tech roles highlights the persistent stereotypes that need to be dismantled: "I worked in an IT firm as an intern and expected to be retained as a tech person, but after the intern role, I wasn't given the position because women are believed to have family roles that require their attention and tech jobs require the person to be onsite to attend to pressing issues." 

Bridging the gender gap in AI use in Africa is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic imperative for sustainable development. Inclusive technological advancements can unlock the potential of women, driving progress across sectors and fostering a more equitable future. It is through collaborative efforts and a commitment to inclusivity that Africa can fully embrace the transformative power of AI.

Bryn Heath is a rising junior at the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology with minors in criminal justice studies and social work from Cleveland, Ohio. Bryn’s involvement on campus includes the Human Rights Advocacy Group and Sustainability Club. She was recently appointed as a co-chair of SGA’s Mental Health Committee. Her membership in the Dayton Civic Scholars cohort has allowed her to embrace her passion and gain experience in service and community outreach.

Olive Ekoh is an MBA student at the University of Dayton and a summer fellowship intern at the Human Rights Center of the University of Dayton. She looks into women rights and finds ways of sourcing grants for SME’s and NGO’s.