Contribution of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Sector to the Development of Women (Aden Governorate)

Abstract

oday, the world is witnessing a new, dynamic, and rapidly changing reality resulting from consecutive economic revolutions, most notably the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) revolution. This technological shift has intensified the focus on generating information and delivering it to decision-makers, while concurrently driving economic development forward. Furthermore, the world is undergoing accelerated advancements in science, knowledge, and innovations, creating a race among developed nations to achieve the latest and most advanced technologies. In Yemen, the ICT sector constitutes a fundamental component of the country's infrastructure and plays a vital role in economic development. Prior to the war, the sector experienced rapid growth driven by significant investments from both the private sector and government institutions. Consequently, prioritizing technology and information is essential to advancing the economic sector and achieving developmental progress that aligns with contemporary global demands. Therefore, planning for comprehensive development that matches current global advancements is a core responsibility that the government must recognize. This comprehensive developmental planning must be approached with an open and conscious mindset that empowers younger generations equipped with modern science, knowledge, and a thorough understanding of modern ICT requirements to build their societies. Economically, the telecommunications sector stands as one of the state's most critical revenue sources, ranking second only to the oil and gas sector prior to the conflict. Crucially, women must be actively integrated into this development planning. As they represent half of the society, empowering women involves developing their capabilities and ensuring equal opportunities across all fields, including the private sector, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles in public corporations and enterprises.