In a monumental step towards promoting gender equality and empowerment of women, tech-enabled logistics company Ninja Van Philippines inked a Solidarity Agreement with the Department of Information and Communications Technology under the Office of the Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development (OUIID). The signing was also attended by President of the National Council of Women in the Philippines Dr. Cecile Dy.
According to DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, DIWA seeks to develop relevant strategies that facilitate equal opportunities for women and men in the telecommunication and ICT field. These strategies include capacity building, skills development, and employment. The goal of DIWA is to encourage more women and girls to pursue ICT careers and leverage the opportunities offered by ICTs to establish and develop businesses, thus making significant contributions to economic growth.
This agreement underscores Ninja Van Philippines’ resolve to bolster the DICT’s initiatives under the Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) program, echoing the sentiments of the ITU Resolution 70 of 2022. Central to this collaboration is the aspiration to harness information and communication technologies (ICT) to facilitate gender equality and amplify women’s roles.
Jose Alvin Perez, Country Head of Ninja Van Philippines, highlighted how their company leverages on its expansive network and cutting-edge logistics solutions to strategically make a profound impact on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through this statement, Ninja Van shares in DIWA’s mission to carve out a tech sector where women are not just present but are engaged and thriving.
Sabina Lopez-Vergara, Chief Commercial Officer of Ninja Van Philippines, expressed, “We, as women, tirelessly strive to ensure our voices resonate. We’re here to demonstrate our worth and the viability of our ventures. The support from like-minded businesses is invaluable in amplifying our cause.”
The collaboration between Ninja Van Philippines and DICT-OUIID not only marks a pivotal juncture in the quest to leverage technology for societal advancement but also showcases the shared dedication of both parties to mold a future where women stand on equal footing in the digital landscape. While a third of its senior management is already composed of women, Ninja Van Philippines sees the partnership as an avenue to better champion women empowerment within the company and the ICT community.
The DIWA Solidarity Agreement expresses a commitment to support the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment through ICT, in line with ITU Resolution 70, Series of 2022. The signatories pledge to foster equal access and participation in ICTs, advocate for increased women’s participation in the digital economy, and recognize the role of ICTs in advancing gender equality in society.