The information revolution in the mid 1990’s did not bypass Zambia as most would be made to believe. Zambia, aside South Africa is known as one of the pioneers of the World Wide Web (www) in Africa. It is no wonder that Lusaka boasts of rising Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and is weaving a new narrative of progress, empowerment, and innovation. However, the remote and rural communities have remained a shadow of this development.

Just a few sprints from Lusaka city, lies Chongwe District, a rural town of not more than 313,389 people. Here the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Zambia Information and Communication Authority (ZICTA) have unveiled a glimmer of hope that can reshape lives, economies and societies for rural women and girls. 

With support from the Governments of Ireland and Sweden, under the GRZ-UN Joint Programme on Gender-Based Violence Phase II, the establishment and launch of the first-ever ICT Hub in Chongwe at Chongwe Secondary School, housing 21 desktops accessible to Chongwe women and girls is a sign of commitment to see them empowered in a world where pervasive mobile penetration has not translated into equality. This is because rural women and girls stand at the intersection of multiple challenges making their situation even worse compared to their counterparts in urban set-ups or indeed men. From bearing the brunt of poverty to limited access to communication tools, they face a myriad of obstacles that hinder their socioeconomic progress. 

According to a study conducted by ZICTA in 2023: State of Online GBV Amongst Women and Girls in Zambia, the survey confirms a growing trend in the usage of mobile phone services with the proportion of males to females owning mobile phones being higher. This reveals that significant disparities persist with just how wide the gap is and how much work is required to bridge it by breaking digital barriers. 

Understanding these challenges, the UNDP, under the GRZ-UN Programme on GBV Phase II has not only supported the ICT Hub in Chongwe but has also ensured that Chisamba and Itezhi-Tezhi Districts have set up state-of-the-art ICT Hubs housed at Girls’ Schools. The underpinning purpose of the three hubs in Chisamba, Chongwe and Itezhi-Tezhi Districts is to provide platforms where rural women and girls can have access to reliable and current trends on critical development concerns as well as unlocking new opportunities for providing innovative services to communities. These Hubs intend to transform the way people learn and work and are an important source of education and knowledge on various social and economic issues including Gender-Based Violence (GBV). 

Into the Future: Empowered and Breaking Limiting Gender-Based Myths

With the proliferation of mobile phones and internet connectivity, girls can now access educational resources whilst women can access training programmes remotely. Armed with the know-how, these women can now access online courses, tutorials, and educational apps that provide them with the opportunity to enhance their skills, pursue market linkages through networks and unlock new gateways to empowerment.

This is one of the pathways to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It is a roadmap to prepare girls and young women for jobs in the ICT sector and encourage them to study STEM subjects to break limiting gender-based myths that girls and women’s place is in the kitchen.

UNDP Resident Representative, James Wakiaga underscored that these ICT Hubs are part of a wider package of UNDP support to inspire girls and young women,