Over the past few months, we have all become extremely reliant on technology to manage our normal routines – from work to schools, and from community initiatives to keeping in touch with friends and family. There are discussions across sectors and workplaces to how we can better integrate technology into our work and home lives. And this is beneficial for encouraging long-term flexible work policies which are particularly helpful for working parents and caregivers.

A missing element of these conversations is how we ensure everyone has equal access to technology as well as the skills and knowledge to maximise its utility. COVID-19 exposed the vast inequalities in the use of technology. Lower income families were less able to participate in online learning and working, exacerbating the already existent STEM gap for girls and women. This is why we started our #TechForGood Initiative to provide low income families with the technology they needed for their children to continue with e-classes and online school work.

However, what is equally concerning is that many parents from underprivileged backgrounds do not possess basic computer knowledge. This factor likely contributes to our research which shows that many parents, particularly those with lower levels of education, do not recognise the importance of STEM and cling to negative stereotypes that STEM subjects are more suitable for boys, which discourages their daughter’s interest in these subjects.

This is why we launched our Digital Literacy Programme in November 2019 with generous support from QBE. The Programme targets disadvantaged parents and their young daughters to promote their interest in STEM and debunk negative stereotypes that STEM skills, subjects and careers are more suitable for boys. We do this through providing fundamental digital literacy skills to primary school girls together with their parents to develop their full potential in an increasingly technology-driven world. This training is coupled with relevant parenting skills to encourage their children to adopt positive and responsible attitudes towards internet usage.

Virtual IWD Lunch – Silent Auction and Pledge Now Open!

Next Thursday, June 11, during our International Women’s Day Virtual Lunch, we are looking forward to welcoming one of our families who have participated in our Digital Literacy Programme so you can hear firsthand how critical these skills are.

If you are unable to join us, please know your support is still crucial to our work – now more than ever. You can participate by making a Pledge Donation to our programmes and initiatives or by bidding on an exciting selection of auction lots. There’s a diverse array of prizes from luxury staycations to limited edition wines, and holistic wellness experiences to high energy fitness bundles. The silent auction and pledge website is now open and will close on June 11.

Thank you for your support and commitment in working with us to create a gender equal Hong Kong.

PS Our Lunch is currently at capacity. If you haven't yet signed up but would still like to attend, we do have a waitlist and will notify you when spaces open. Please join the waitlist here.