-
.
- Ελληνικά
As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, the gender gap in the sector is becoming more and more apparent. The need to close this gap becomes more urgent as women bring a broader perspective on which to base innovative approaches to problem solving. We should encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics) fields by providing them with appropriate guidance as well as the necessary support.
The above was underlined, among others, by the Commissioner for Gender Equality, Mrs. Josie Christodoulou, in her address at the event "Women in ICT", organized by the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy in cooperation with TechIsland and the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO).
The Commissioner referred to the under-representation of women more broadly in the labour market and in particular in STEM occupations, while noting the projected 8% increase in demand in the European Union (EU) by 2025. Therefore, she stressed, the participation of both women and men in STEM occupations is more than necessary.
Referring to the reasons for the lower participation of women, despite the high levels of education and high performance of women in leadership skills, Ms Christodoulou said: "The answer lies in the traditional, patriarchal stereotypes and prejudices that still prevail in our society. Women are expected to focus mainly on the family, as they are almost exclusively responsible for raising children and taking care of their needs as well as elderly relatives or people with disabilities. They are also expected to devote time to household chores. This unpaid, invisible work inevitably works against their professional and personal development and their free time. As a result, they are prevented from reaching their full potential, based on their skills and preferences. On a socio-economic level, a country is deprived of women's unique and diverse contribution to prosperity and overall progress.
Correcting this situation is not an easy task, as stereotypes, conscious and non-serious prejudices have been deeply rooted in our society for centuries. The urgent message we need to send is that the equal participation of women in all sectors of economic activity, including the technology sector, goes through the deconstruction of stereotypes."
The Commissioner then referred to the high priority the Government attaches to equality issues and the National Strategy for Gender Equality 2024-2026, prepared and implemented by her Office, in cooperation with all Ministries and Deputy Ministries."
The Commissioner then referred to the high priority the Government attaches to equality issues and the National Strategy for Gender Equality 2024-2026, prepared and implemented by her Office, in cooperation with all Ministries and Deputy Ministries. She then listed specific policies and actions directly or indirectly related to the theme of the event:
"Data collection: The State Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, in cooperation with the Statistical Office, will soon start collecting and processing data on women's participation in the fields of research, innovation and cybersecurity. This data will facilitate the evaluation of relevant programmes, actions and practices.
Target groups: With the aim of familiarizing women in rural areas with new technologies and the advantages they offer in their daily lives, the State Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy is in the process of designing targeted training programmes on digital skills, digital marketing and financial services that meet their specific needs.
Deconstructing stereotypes: We must make it possible for all individuals, men and women, to reach their full potential. To do this, we believe we need to start in schools. Therefore, from next school year, i.e. next September, teachers and school career counsellors will be trained to guide children in choosing a career based on their skills, aptitudes and preferences rather than stereotypes and unconscious biases that wrongly dictate "male" and "female" professions.
Providing incentives: The Government, in collaboration with the Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation, announced the annual award of ten (10) scholarships to women for undergraduate studies. Last year the scholarships were for studies in the field of innovation and technology, and for this year we have added the field of shipping.
Awareness raising, promotion of standards: Last year we launched an awareness campaign on social media called "HerStory", dedicating the first edition to promoting women's participation in STEM careers. Through short videos, successful female role models in relevant fields told their personal stories about the opportunities they had, as well as the obstacles and challenges they faced.
Reconciling family, personal and professional life: In an effort to address the issue of time availability for women, the Government, through the Recovery and Resilience Plan, intends to increase the number of day care centres and upgrade existing ones in a number of municipalities. The Plan includes 34 care facilities for infants as well as for the elderly. The Ministry of Social Welfare has already started the process with the cooperation of the Local Authorities. Thus, women will have the opportunity, if they wish, to take up full-time jobs, exploring their professional possibilities."
In conclusion, the Commissioner assured that the Government is outward-looking in creating synergies and designing feasible policies and actions, aiming for substantive equality between women and men."
In conclusion, the Commissioner assured that the Government is outward-looking in creating synergies and designing feasible policies and actions, aiming for substantive equality between women and men. The narrative, she stressed, is changing. We do not see gender equality as just another problem to be solved, but as the solution and the path to a more sustainable and stronger future for all.
For the Commissioner's speech in English click here.
(AA/MS/NYAN)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
