By Justine Nakiwala

Annually, October 11 the world commemorates the International Day of the Girl child. Declared by the United Nations in 2012, this day increases awareness of issues faced by girls around the world, to make these issues visible and to inspire commitments and action to promote their rights.

This year’s theme “Digital generation our Generation” is aimed at better understanding girls’ digital realities and solutions they need to pave paths to freedom of expression, explore opportunities and boundless potential.

Digital is the new normal. The Covid-19 pandemic has proved the importance of technology and digital platforms in supporting people search for information, stay connected, drive entrepreneurship, and access to education among others

In Uganda, there are over 15 million learners enrolled in the education system and with all still at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the nationwide lockdown due to Covid-19, the Government is supporting learners to continue studying online. This opportunity to reconnect with studies has been welcomed by parents, students, boys and girls. However, the school-going girls of both rural and urban areas are still facing issues related to digital accessibility and connectivity which partly is leading to dropouts

While the increasing use of the internet and other digital technologies has become very critical at this time, it has also raised other new human rights and safety concerns including cyberbullying, online harassment and cyber stalking as part of a wider variety of violent behaviors that occur in digital spaces and disproportionately affect girls.

A recent study by Plan International “State of the World’s Girls Report 2021; The Truth Gap notes that 9 in 10 girls have reported the spread of false information online and that false information online has left one in five girls (20%) feeling physically unsafe. One in three report that false information is affecting their mental health, leaving them feeling stressed, worried and anxious.

Being online is an important part of girls’ and young women’s lives and a crucial factor in increasing their knowledge and opportunities. Therefore, holding them back in this area affects every aspect of their lives, including their ability to speak out and campaign on issues that affect them.

As the world commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child let us all do what it takes to unlock the digital power of girls through various initiatives

To achieve gender equality, girls and young women need equal access to technology, digital training and to be safe online. The digital gender divide must be addressed. Stop stereotypes around technology being for boys and remove barriers to girls’ access to internet and other digital technologies.

Girls must have freedom online. Online harassment which takes a profound toll on their confidence, self-esteem, mental health and emotional stress has to be addressed as this continuously drives them off digital platforms. Regulation of online content must be prioritized as it will help to end a lot of misinformation that affects the girls’ participation in this fast growing digital world.

Government effort in addressing emerging online issues are highly recognised including enacting the 2011 Computer Misuse Act 42 to criminalise cyber harassment, offensive communication, and cyber stalking committed to integrate the aspects of gender, youth, People with Disabilities and marginalized groups in ICT programs and interventions within the 2014 National ICT Policy.

However, providing multifaceted approach in gender responsive and inclusive digital literacy programmes, in formal and informal education platforms as well as engaging them in similar studies will be critical in meeting specific needs of girls and young women and support gender equality.

Deliberate efforts must be done by government and other actors to increase funding for digital literacy initiatives and campaigns for girls and all children. With 56% of total population being children, parents and caregivers must be supported to understand the critical importance of digital inclusion, meaningful connectivity, opportunities and risks that come with being online particularly at this time when the levels of online exposure for our children is massive. Enjoy the girls’ day!

The writer is the Communications Manager at Plan International Uganda

Contacts: Justine.Nakiwala@plan-international.org