Chris Infotainment

Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Through Training More than 25 journalists and social media influencers recently completed a three-day training in Kigali focused on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). This issue is becoming increasingly relevant as internet usage continues to rise across the country. The workshop, organized by the Health Development Initiative (HDI), aimed to enhance participants’ ability to identify, prevent, and report on TFGBV using ethical and gender-sensitive communication methods. Annonciata Mukayitete, Senior Programme Officer for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion at HDI, highlighted that the training was created to address a problem that has often been overlooked in Rwanda. She explained that while TFGBV may seem like a new concept, it is part of the broader issue of gender-based violence, but one that is exacerbated by technology. “Online violence takes various forms. It’s a global issue, and Rwanda is not immune t...

The Intersection of AI and Gender Inequality In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global workforce, a troubling pattern emerges: women's bodies often become the ultimate sites for the exertion of force by men. This issue has gained urgency as AI replaces human labor in various sectors, leading to widespread job displacement and societal upheaval. As machines and algorithms take over tasks once performed by humans, the structure of labor is being redefined, and with it, the dynamics of power and vulnerability. Historically, during times of societal disruption, women have often borne the brunt of instability. Whether due to colonization, pandemics, or technological advancements that rendered certain skills obsolete, the consequences have frequently fallen heavily on women. These periods, while distinct in their causes, share a common outcome: the redirection of male frustration and disempowerment toward women. This phenomenon highlights a deep-rooted patter...

Understanding the Challenges of Women's Participation in Science, Innovation, and Technology A recent study conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR-STEPRI) has highlighted a significant gap in the participation of women in Science, Innovation, and Technology (STI) research. This issue is particularly evident in research institutions across various sectors, including public and private organizations. The findings were shared during a policy dialogue focused on women's involvement in STI research, capacity-building, and mentorship, which took place in Accra. The study aimed to identify both the barriers and the enablers that influence the career progression of individuals working in scientific research environments. Key Barriers Identified in the Study One of the primary challenges identified was the unequal access to well-resourced laboratories and research tools. This disparity limited the abilit...