Government
Well Place Worry; Girls Digital Literacy Trending down says ECLAC
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, May 5, 2023 – Even as countries celebrate International Girls in Information and Communication Technologies Day (ICT) 2023, a newly published report is warning that COVID-19 may have exacerbated the gender gap in digital accessibility in the Caribbean which in turn facilitated an increase in online and offline violence against women and girls, and pushed more females away from the fields of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM ). Simultaneously, the Turks and Caicos Government is introducing a new pilot program to tackle gender inequality.
Despite data showing equality for digital access in the Caribbean in some age groups, an Op-ed penned by Diane Quarless, a director at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), indicated a worrying trend.
“Globally, we see a large, and expanding, gender gap in internet use. The COVID-19 pandemic, which increased inequality in societies across the world, is partly responsible for this widening gender gap. Digital and social inequality are inextricably linked,” she said.
ECLAC says not only does this gap increase inequalities globally, it could mean women felt the brunt of the adverse effects as reduced income and the rise in domestic violence observed during the pandemic go hand in hand, with more limited access to and use of digital technologies and the Internet.
Globally not only are girls less encouraged to enter stem fields despite having equal ability, they are exposed to more harassment and violence on the internet than boys.
“Research from around the world show that they receive three times as many unwanted sexual messages from peers, are more likely to be targeted by groomers, and are featured in 93% of sexual abuse imagery,” the report said.
It’s an issue that the International Telecommunication Union found also drives them away from the STEM field. An integral part of protecting girls online and herding them into the STEM fields is collecting data on gender gaps and using resources to correct the issue.
In the Turks and Caicos, the Government will be practicing “Green and Gender Budgeting” in the coming years, the announcement came from E Jay Saunders, Finance Minister and Deputy Premier as he presented this year’s budget in an April 26th sitting of the House of Assembly.
Government
Paula Virgil-Stubbs Appointed Executive Administrator in The Office of The Deputy Governor
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs as Executive Administrator in the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs brings a wealth of experience and a strong professional background to her new position. Holding an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, she has continually demonstrated her commitment to professional development through a series of advanced training programs. Most recently, she completed the Administrative Excellence course offered by the Turks and Caicos Islands Training Department, further sharpening her leadership and office management skills.
Her career within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) began at the Grand Turk Post Office, where she worked as a sales-clerk. After relocating to Providenciales and gaining valuable experience in the private sector, she returned to TCIG in 2018, joining the Office of the Premier as an Administrative Officer. Over the years, she quickly advanced, taking on the role of Senior Administrative Officer in 2021 before stepping into the position of Assistant Protocol Officer.
As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will play a key role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Deputy Governor’s Office.
This includes organizing and coordinating meetings, managing appointments and the Deputy Governor’s diary, and providing critical administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Additionally, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will assist with high-level administrative tasks, including handling correspondence, organizing events, and managing administrative functions with the utmost professionalism. In commenting on her new appointment, Mrs. Virgil Stubbs stated, “As I begin this new chapter in my career as Executive Administrator within the Deputy Governor Officer, I want to first give thanks to God for making this opportunity possible. I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering love, support, and constant encouragement to strive for excellence. This moment truly shows that hard work and dedication pay off. I am also sincerely thankful to the Turks and Caicos Island Government for entrusting me with this new role. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge while continuing to grow, learn, and gain valuable experience in this position. I am committed to serving with integrity, professionalism, and pride.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, congratulated Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs, stating, “It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and congratulate Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs on her appointment as Executive Administrator in my office. As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will manage multiple administrative tasks, from coordinating my schedule to providing key support during meetings and events. Paula has proven herself to be a diligent and reliable public servant. I am confident that her experience and dedication will undoubtedly be an asset to my office and the entire public service.
Welcome to our team, and congratulations on your new appointment, Paula!”
Government
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