WIMA boss, Macfoy nudges women on digital self-development for competitive roles in maritime industry
WIMA boss, Macfoy nudges women on digital self-development for competitive roles in maritime industry
Women in the Maritime sector have been admonished to concentrate their efforts and resources in digital self-upgrade which will make them relevant and competitive in the male dominated industry.
Mrs. Rollens Macfoy at the weekend gingered the women at the one year anniversary celebration of the Women Wing of Senior Staff Association of Shipping, Clearing &Forwarding Agencies (SSASCFA) in Lagos.
In her keynote speech, Macfoy emphasised the germaneness of digital knowledge in the evolving society and industry
She spoke on the topic, “Empowering Women in the Digital Maritime Era.”
According to her, more than 90 percent of the new jobs worldwide require digital skills adding that it is necessary that the women equip themselves to be able to occupy any of the positions in the present time.
Macfoy who is the CEO of Oceandeep Maritime Services Limited, a vessel crewing firm and other maritime shipping logistics services, advised women to strive to bridge the gap saying that females make up only 29 percent of the STEM workforce.
In her statistical data, 49% of the world population lacks access to internet especially from the developing and underdeveloped countries.
She quipped that technology has become the order if the day even as she maintained that empowering women would enable them to perform various roles.
Her words“Digital technology, therefore, is a fundamental force for change in this century. It has come to reshape economics & governments while impacting every aspect of development.
“We must, therefore, do more and better to get these game-changing technologies into the hands of those who have been left farthest behind. (Especially women) .
“Therefore, digital tools are needed to boost women’s participation and leadership in the digital space.
“Digital technologies can enhance women’s access to finance, with mobile banking enabling them to avoid long journeys & queue.
“You will all agree with me that a technology enabled health care, can also improve health outcomes.
“E-commerce and technology based businesses offer women more flexibility, helping them to manage home responsibilities alongside paid work. If women can tap the full power of digital technologies, vital new opportunities are available.
Macfoy also stated that:”Gender equality is not just a basic human right. It is critical to development progress. Where women and girls can realize their rights and aspirations, growth is faster, and prosperity comes quicker.”
“This is why advancing gender equality is at the heart of the Sustainable goal.I am particularly proud that UNDP has partnered with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on this important tech project in countries like Egypt to empower women entrepreneurs through information and communications technology.
“Their aim is to equip over 3500 women owners of handicraft enterprises in remote areas of Egypt.I am very much looking forward to hearing that the government Nigeria will follow suit.
“It is clear however, that we all need more programmes, more partnerships, more resources to ensure that the digital power is in the hands of women and girls – and that they are connected and empowered to create the better, brighter and more sustainable futures that this world needs.
Addresses gender gaps in digital access and skills. Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities, and countries.
“When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential. contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children.”
