Chancellor College based Associate Professor in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Dr Chipo Kanjo has stated that one way to address the gender gap in ICT is to ensure girls are exposed to the subject.

Speaking to YONECO FM online on the international girls in ICT day, Kanjo said collective efforts are needed to ensure girls have access to ICT services and this should begin at household level.

“If you notice that gap is deep rooted starting and it emanates from home, a girl child is burdened with a number of tasks where as a boy child has lots of free time which enables them to utilize different forms of ICT.”

Kanjo also highlighted the importance of monitoring the content which is being accessed via internet to avoid.

Latest figures from the International Telecommunication Union show a 17 per cent gender gap in internet use globally.

In the meantime the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) says educating a girl child in Information Communication Technology is a critical tool to transform the economy among other key sectors.

President for ICTAM Bram Fudzulani said girls should be encouraged to take up science subjects which are critical in the digital age.

Fudzulani said presently the number of girls in ICT is minimal and as an association they are committed to see more girls venturing into ICT as such they will visit schools to deliver motivational talks to girls on the same.