The Information Technology (IT) sector is dominated by men, not just in Nepal but around the world. To discuss this issue, Nepal Telecom organised a discussion series and an innovation showcase platform on Monday on the occasion of International Girls in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Day 2017. 

The discussion focused on issues such as the current involvement of women in the information technology sector and gender-based bias, violence and the role of ICT in minimising it. Meanwhile, the innovation showcase platform provided young girls with an opportunity to exhibit their innovation. 

The discussion series, titled Gender Based Discrimination and Violence and Use of ICTs in Addressing Them, saw DSP Pashupati Roy of the cyber crime division at Hanuman Dhoka Metropolitan Police talk about the massive rise in gender-based violence in the last few years due to the rise in the use of mobile phones and other technological devices. “We have received more than 800 cases related to cyber crime in the last three months and most of the victims are female. We have a separate entity that looks after cyber crime but the results are alarming and we need to address it soon and in an effective way,” Roy said, speaking at the event. 

In another discussion, Women in ICT sector in Nepal, the panelists discussed the lack of interest and confidence among young women while seeking careers in the information technology sector. Prativa Baidhya, manager and spokesperson at Nepal Telecom, said, “We differentiate between male and female from a young small age in terms of giving them technological exposure. We make girls play with dolls and utensils whereas we encourage boys to play video games. This creates lack of confidence among girls later on.” Rashmi Bajracharya of Women Leaders in Technology stressed on the importance of special opportunities designed especially for girls to develop their confidence during the discussion.

The event also saw young women showcase their innovations, including apps such as Nari Sarokar, an app which helps its users figure out legal procedures when their rights are violated; and Nari app, an app that allows girls to send alarms in case of emergency to their close ones.