Women leaders address Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore students on gender equality, technology, innovation

Following a successful outing at the United Nations Convention of the Status of Women (UNCSW 67), women leaders have engaged would-be policy leaders from the Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) in Singapore on promoting gender equality using technology and innovation. The speakers who had previously held a similar event in New York, United States of America (USA) in March 2023, held the robust engagement with the students online early last week.

The event was organized by the Bridging GAP group of the LKYSPP. The group focuses on gender and public Policy. The Lead organizer of the event, Ms. Arianna Pugliese stated that the essence of the event was to deepen the understanding of the intersection between technology and gender equality and technology’s impact on gender equality. During her remark, she underscored the importance of navigating the technological landscape through a gender-inclusive perspective.

Madame Carole Mbesse, founder of B’Lead Her Network and Academy, who was a speaker at the event, gave a presentation on the topic ‘Tech as a catalyzer of gender-based violence?’ She defined Technology as “the study of tools, processes and methods used in the various branches of industry”, but  linked this to the context in which; the internet and its tools, applications, etc and social networks have become an essential catalyst in exacerbating and accelerating violence against women through its power.

Cathy Latiwa, the Founder of Latiwa Development Foundation gave a good insight into how Technology and innovation can activate gender equality. During her presentation, Cathy emphasized that Gender equality is about ensuring equal opportunities, rights, and treatment for all individuals, regardless of gender. She added that achieving gender equality is essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and peace. She urged participants to take concerted action to address challenges and empower women and girls to reach their full potential.

The last speaker, Mrs Edidiong Idang, who is a Development expert and the Founder of Initiative for Peace and Women’s Right in Africa, shared her experience working and supporting legislative processes that promote gender equality in Nigeria. She delved into the significance of addressing gender-based violence and pointed to the fact that one out of three women have experienced gender based violence in their lifetime.  She pointed out that effective policy implementation derived from an inclusive legislative process can be a most effective means of eliminating gender-based violence.

The speakers enjoined the would-be policy makers and global leaders to advance gender equality through continued conversations, partnerships, and informed actions to create a future where technology contributes positively to gender equality and social justice.