The Development of an Informative Model for Namibian Women in ICT Careers

Saraphina Simeon and Iyaloo. N Waiganjo
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Saraphina Simeon: Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) The International University of Management (IUM), Windhoek, Namibia
Iyaloo. N Waiganjo: Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) The International University of Management (IUM), Windhoek, Namibia

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 10, 641-646

Abstract: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) were identified by the United Nations as tools that enable and enhance economic development and sustainable development. Women are a social group that plays an important role in development from the family level through to community and national institutions. Despite their contribution in social and economic development, women happen to lack digital exposure and career guidance in challenging information technology careers. The challenge motivated the need to explore the occupational experience of Namibian women in information technology and factors influencing their information technology career growth. The study used qualitative research approach and a case study design focusing on Windhoek the capital city of Namibia. The sample size was 35 female workers from IT professions in Windhoek and 20 female students. The data were collected by means of questionnaires. The results showed that IT female’s workers and IT students are less represented in IT challenging jobs and IT challenging courses that include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Networking and Programming. Furthermore, the results showed that women in IT take fewer challenging positions such as computer technicians and system administrators due to the lack of skills and appropriate tools. Finally, IT female workers are being undermined due to the traditional belief that women are less efficient, hence, they do not rise to higher positions. Following the results, it was concluded that social and cultural factors affect women in the ICT profession and it is possible to develop the informative model for Namibia women in ICT through identification of challenges and developing strategies for overcoming the challenges. Following identified gaps, it is recommended stakeholders including the government and other institutions must maintain the involvements of the Namibian girl child in specialized ICT courses at grass root level from primary schools, through secondary schools up to tertiary institutions and avoid any form of gender segregation when enrolling ICT students.

Date: 2024
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