Encouraging women to take up roles in Information technology (IT), is one key way to bridge the gender gap disparity, says Inter-American Development Bank country representative, Sophie Makonnen. “Too often girls and women are not able to reveal their full potential in improving Guyana’s economy due to discriminatory social norms, lack of incentives… and girls tend to be underpaid,” Makonnen said.

Encouraging women to take up roles in Information technology (IT), is one key way to bridge the gender gap disparity, says Inter-American Development Bank country representative, Sophie Makonnen.

GIRLS across the country are set to benefit from enhanced access to opportunities with the “Girls and Technology can change Guyana” project crafted by Evie Kanhai- Gurchuran, a 2018 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Alumna.

A local website developer is joining the push for more girls to join the ICT field through a pilot programme which teaches those between the ages of 11 to 21 to use computers and build programmes.

In Guyana I am the CEO of Gurchuran investments, where I manage a portfolio of brands across industries, including Java Coffee Bar and SITES Builders. My role is to develop the business concepts and direct their brand presence off and online. I ensure that our social mission is clear and that all employees are trained to utilize best practices. Endless research and countless hours of designing, testing, and working the cafes is required.

Guyanese Tech Engineer Miguel Gurchuran has introduced a state-of-the-art website builder which he says will challenge the manner in which websites are managed in Guyana.

A Guyanese Tech Entrepreneur is working to provide a simple avenue for small businesses to showcase their products on the internet and to a wider group of persons. It also presents an opportunity for youths to build websites.