Empowering Women in Ghana: Bridging the Digital Divide
Discover the narrative of women in Ghana actively participating in the digital sphere and the challenges they overcome to strengthen their presence in the technology landscape.
Digital Inclusion Statistics:
Professional and Technical Work:
A modest 8.9% of women are actively engaged in professional and technical roles, highlighting the need for increased representation. (SheCodes Foundation)
Mobile and Smart Phone Usage:
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, 8 in 10 Ghanaians aged 12 and above own mobile phones. However, a gender gap is evident, with 85.8% of males owning phones compared to 80.7% of females. On smart mobile phone use, 72.5% of males use them, while only 66% of females do. (UN Ghana)
Computer Usage Disparity:
In 2018, only 7% of the female Ghanaian population used a computer, compared to 21% of males. Additionally, 15% of women, in contrast to 35% of men, utilized the internet for information and communication technology purposes. The statistics vary, possibly due to distinctions between owning and using computers. (Statista)
Education and STEM Participation:
Girls in STEM Education:
Encouragingly, 39% of students studying STEM subjects in secondary schools are girls, showcasing a positive trend in STEM education. (UN Ghana)
Women in STEM Jobs:
As of March 2023, women hold 25% of all jobs in STEM fields in Ghana, a notable increase demonstrating progress in gender inclusivity. (GSTEP)
Challenges and Aspirations:
Data Science Gender Gap:
The gender gap in data science remains significant, with less than 20% of data scientists being females. (G-SET)
Representation in Scientific Rankings:
In 2022, out of the best 3000 ranked scientists in Ghana, only 9.5% were women, indicating a need for increased representation and recognition in scientific fields. (University of Ghana)
STEM Job Participation:
Despite progress, challenges persist as only 30% of women were reported to be taking up STEM-related jobs in 2021, emphasizing the ongoing need for initiatives to spur economic growth through increased female participation. (The B&FT Online)
This journey unfolds the strides made by women in Ghana’s digital landscape, showcasing their resilience and contributions to the evolving tech ecosystem. Let’s continue fostering an inclusive environment where every woman can thrive in the digital age.