More women, differently abled people needed in ICT

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

More women and differently abled persons need to be incorporated into the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) evolution, say experts. Improving women's and differently abled persons' access to ICT help them be empowered, bringing them more opportunities for jobs and a better life, according to Dr. Eun-Ju Kim, Director, Asia Pacific office of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

"Under the 'Connect a School, Connect a Community' Initiative of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, we are giving more scope for girls and differently abled persons and give them the opportunity to enhance their skills," Dr. Kim said.

"We work closely with the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Education and several other private service providers in this initiative," she said.

"This project goes beyond a public-private partnership. It is a public-private-people partnership. Without people the project will not serve its purpose. So the community is very much incorporated into the project," said Dr. Kim.

As Dr. Kim explained, following the end of a long-standing conflict, many people become handicapped due to injuries. To incorporate them into the national economy as efficient people, it is essential to make them skilled personnel.

"According to statistics, nearly 17 percent of the world population faces disabilities. Countries such as Singapore, Japan and China will have large ageing societies and with age disabilities also rise.

So, the part of the community facing disability needs more attention," she said.