Vera Songwe: Closing the Tech Gender Gap

November 16, 2018

Vera Songwe, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, speaking at the 2018 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bali. (IMF photo)

There is a growing body of research that shows that more women in the labor force means higher economic growth, and for longer periods. And while some sectors have made progress in breaking down gender barriers, the rise of technology in others presents new challenges for women. Vera Songwe is the first woman to head the U.N.s Economic Commission for Africa, and in this podcast, Songwe says African women are especially disadvantaged in the technology sector because they often dont have access to the internet. Songwe talked to IMFs Angela Gaviria while attending the IMF-World Bank Annual meetings in Bali, Indonesia.

Vera Songwe, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa