Women have been urged to use digital technology in marketing their products and services in a bid to better their lives.
Laikipia Governor, Joshua Irungu, speaking in Solio Village ‘4’, during the commemoration of the International Women’s Day, said technology is important in conducting e-commerce and would make women thrive.
“Women have good products but they lack online presence, hence making it difficult to get buyers. It’s important for them to be sensitized on digital technology, so that they can easily connect with the buyers,” said Irungu.
The Governor who was reacting on International Women’s Day theme, ‘Digital all Innovation and Technology for gender equality,’’ said, his Administration would create Informational, Communication and Technology (ICTs) across the County in a bid to ensure women access free internet services.
The Governor further pointed out that, with technology, it was easy to do weather forecasting and help farmers to know when to farm and avoid losses attributed to drought.
Laikipia County Gender Coordinator, Ms Karen Kiogora, said women should not be limited to use technology and urged them to embrace change.
“With drought situations, we should not limit ourselves from using climate smart agriculture technologies on issues of food preservation and also farming,” said Ms Kiogora.
She appealed to men and boys to support women-led initiatives, aimed at achieving gender equality.
Laikipia Mukogodo Girls Empowerment Program Director, Josephine Ndirias, said that women need to be supported in amplifying their voices in the community.
“We are trying to support women to say their issues and especially from the Maasai community, we must say no to dominating retrogressive cultures, through that, we will be able to access education and be at the forefront in advocating women’s rights,” said Ms Ndirias.
Margaret Wangui who was showcasing some dried vegetables said, with education, she has been able to venture on economical generating activity and the only challenge was the market which she appealed to be addressed.
The international women’s day was supported by United Nations Women (UNW), Hand and in Hand East Africa, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Korean International and Cooperation Agency (KOICA), among other partners and saw women showcase various products like dried vegetables and drought resistant seeds.
Hand in Hand East Africa, is a non-profit organization that helps local communities alleviate poverty through entrepreneurship training.
By Muturi Mwangi
