LUSAKA
Thursday: 23rd November, 2023
Women are breaking grounds on some progressive proportionate leadership occupation of various roles both in the public and private sectors says Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati.
Addressing the 2023 Women In Accounts Forum today, the Minister recognised with gratitude women who have demonstrated a great deal of entrepreneurial financial growth in the sector.
The Minister said the Government’s role was to create an enabling environment for players to undertake and make tenacity contributions in the sector. He said the bankability of women’s drive are immense and firm to provide progressive outputs.
The Minister disclosed that the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) assessment report disclosed that women, statistically, recorded less numbers regarding mobile phone and internet connectivity, he however urged the association to conceptualise and establish solutions that will narrow the connectivity gap beyond the digital literacy.
He said part of the 2024 budget allocation will address the Government’s digital infrastructure growth and accessibility though establishment of digital transformation centers in all districts of the country in order to deliver Government incentives close to the people hence the majority of digital connectivity will embrace women’s absorption onto the platform.
The Minister said Government is on course to enact the start-up bill and the consultative forum appreciate an extensive input of women.
He said the Ministry’s support for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has embraced women and recorded high outstanding performance of girl child capabilities. The Minister encouraged the forum to deliberate on the gender divide and celebrate women’s capabilities.
And the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accounts (ZICA) President Yande Siame said the 6th Forum – 2023 Zambia Women Accountant symposium is a platform for women accountants organised to network, share experiences, and celebrate the accounting profession achievements.
Ms. Yande was grateful that ZICA is playing an important role to promote gender equality and diversity in the accounts profession both in the public and private sectors thereby recording a professional growth and leadership potential in line with the sustainable goals that speak to gender equality. She said the institute also advocates for policies and practices for all – inclusive women accountant to contribute towards economic development.
Ms. Yande said the institute has witnessed the emergency of innovative driven solutions fast tracked by the COVID – 19 pandemic resulting in the introduction of progressive hybrids digital technological working environment in the sector.