Blog post
Joyce Kabue - Communication & Information Advisor, Oxfam Kenya
"Technology empowers communities; let’s get it to every corner of the world!"
What is your current role?
My current role involves supporting the programme in implementing innovative communication activities while incorporating ICT to scale-up the reach of interventions for greater impact.
How did you come to work in ICT?
Initially by mistake! With time, I took up the technical interest to work in ICT for development when I discovered the potential of ICT to further development and advance human rights.
What do you like the most about working in ICT?
I like that ICT has created a safe space for active citizenry in Kenya. As Kenyans, we no longer have to wait for mainstream media to act as the citizens’ mouth piece. Citizens are at the forefront, taking action, setting the agenda, speaking out and demanding to be heard through the use of social media and community media. ICT has made this possible and easy, and citizens are able to reach masses and get responses to the issues raised. This is putting checks on mainstream media and the government because they know the people are watching
What challenges do you face as a woman in ICT?
Intimidation from the perception that this is a male dominated and oriented career.
What message do you have to encourage girls and young women considering careers in ICT?
Many opportunities exist for women in every sector and we should go for them and compete with men for these positions. We have the right education.
| ICT is a powerful tool for development that we cannot ignore. With experience working in marginalized areas of Kenya, I feel it is important for us to start progressive conversations on how we can connect the non-connected. Progress has been made through the use of community radio and mobile telephones, however the digital divide in marginalized areas is high and we need to make joint efforts to close this gap. An individual party cannot do this, different stakeholders come to play; telecommunications need to invest, media houses, the academia fraternity and most importantly the government must ensure an enabling environment for the investors. In all these, we must remember to serve the needs of the communities and design solutions that are cost-effective and easily accessible by the community members. Technology empowers communities; let’s get it to every corner of the world! Technology allows for people to drive their own lives at a personal and community level. |
Joyce Kabue
Communication and Information Advisor, Oxfam Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
Join the Oxfam Twitter Debate: #GirlsInICT - how can we level the playing field?
April 27, 2016: 14:00-15:00 GMT
Celebrated on the 4th Thursday in April every year, International Girls in ICT Day is an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) initiative backed by all ITU Member States, that aims to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
