Antonio Pedro, the acting executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has disclosed that more than 50 young female engineers and innovators from across the continent have created technologies to combat climate change and increase resilience.
This occurs at a time when adaptation to and the negative effects of climate change are a major concern for both Africa and the rest of the world.
Young engineers and innovators developed innovative projects that incorporated cutting-edge technologies to combat climate change and increase resilience throughout the continent as part of the “Connected African Girls Coding Camp and Climate Change Adaptation Hackathon” initiative.
Mr Pedro was in Niamey, Niger, on 1 March during an Innovation Fair and Award ceremony at the 9th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, which saw 25 young women recognized for their exceptional skills in robotics and IOT, animation, gaming, web development, 3D printing and Turtle Stich.
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Mr Pedro explained that the Commission would like to see more women who are self-aware, eager to learn about their communities and capable of leading the change they wish to see in society.
He pointed out that ECA would not only want to produce future scientists who can contribute to the fourth industrial revolution but also instill confidence in young women.
Mr Pedro said the ‘Connected African Girls initiative was created to reduce the digital gender gap by equipping young African women with the necessary basic skills to achieve long-term success in digital education, employment and entrepreneurship.
This is done by creating an enabling environment for collaborative efforts and innovation.
He reaffirmed that gender equality was a fundamental human rights issue as it catalyzes multiple effects on socio-economic development.
The Acting Executive Secretary further indicated that the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector played a pivotal role in promoting gender equality and women empowerment as stated in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 5 (SDGs).
He pointed out that nearly 90 percent of jobs in the near future would require skills related to new technologies.
Story adapted from AllAfrica
