Important for Women to develop knowledge of digital technology says Indonesian Minister

Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati who is the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Minister stated the significance of women developing their knowledge of digital technology in the era of globalization.

Minister Gusti also stated that every Indonesian, particularly the female must be taught the value of digital literacy during the Kartini Digital event which was held at the National Library Building in Jakarta.

She added that this event must boost women and make them digitally literate. To empower women in the globalization world, STEM sectors play a crucial role. The ongoing participation of women in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) will be advancing Indonesia rapidly.

In terms of development, STEM areas are regarded as strategic fields. The processes of automatization and digitalization have a significant influence on women's life that is required in fields.

She said that, although the participation of Indonesian women in STEM fields is high the rate of professional work participation is comparatively declining. Reports states that only 2 out of 10 women select to pursue a professional career in STEM and only 3 out of 10 female take-up up STEM research works.

Gender stereotypes in the job sector and male dominance in STEM fields are the reasons for the poor interest of women.

This claim was supported by the research made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that also revealed that 61 percent of people consider gender stereotypes and due to male domination, 50 percent of women are not interested in STEM.

Women need to grow in the field of cybersecurity as well. They need to have a high level of digital literacy.