Department of Communications (DOC) deputy minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has called on South African women to take an active role in bridging the gender divide in the ICT sector.
Ndabeni-Abrahams made the comments during the penultimate activities of the DOC's Women's Month programme yesterday.
The deputy minister says despite the available opportunities, South African women are still underrepresented in the ICT sector.
According to Ndabeni-Abrahams, statistics show women in SA only make up 20% of the ICT sector workforce as opposed to the 56% representation globally.
"We don't have a good story to tell as the sector because males are still dominating. As we celebrate Women's Month, we have a responsibility to question how we tell stories of the women who have made strides in ICT, as well as inspire others to come into the sector."
Ndabeni-Abrahams notes South Africans also need to interrogate what they need to do to make this industry a success and represent women.
Women in the South African ICT industry are more focused on the supporting role within the company, she says. "I believe it's time to change and do things differently. We need to acquire business skills in order to move to higher decision-making roles."
One of the interventions needed is career guidance, not only at matric level but at the lower grades, Ndabeni-Abrahams states. "This will help ensure women occupy the sectors that are beneficial to the economic growth of the country."
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