Technology revolutionizes the life of the girl child

By Lorraine Metha

Despite what many may feel to be a radical wave in technological advancements, from Augmented Reality (AR) to Artificial Intelligence (AI), the girl child in Zimbabwe has immensely been revolutionized and equipped by digital technologies and this has shaped the way they live.

Young women and girls in Bulawayo claim that having access to internet has played an integral part in their lives, availing important information that society considers to be taboo. Communities in general no longer have platforms for girls to learn about puberty and Sexual and Reproductive Health, including menstrual health. Digital technologies are filling that void.

Grace Mashanda, a Form 1 learner at Mpopoma High school says that she is not going to be scared or embarrassed at the moment that she starts to experience menstruation, because she has learnt a lot about it on the internet and is ready.

“Some of the stories we used to share at primary school were making it seem like menstruation is painful and embarrassing and a burden to girl child. However, what I found to be interesting due to exposure to social media and internet is that there is nothing wrong about it.

“I have seen confessions from other girls talking about their first time and how to be prepared for it. I now even know what I should do as a girl when that time comes and I am no longer as embarrassed to even talk about it, unlike before,” says Grace.

Another Form four learner at Sizinda High, Dorcas Ndlovu says the internet has prepared her for what life can be if one makes wrong decisions such that they are aware of the consequences of unsafe abortions and early pregnancies.

“Exposure to social media and internet makes you aware of so many things as a girl child. So many lessons learnt, especially things to do with sex and unwanted pregnancies.

“So many girls out here may act like they do not know about these things, but we have been educated enough by the internet, more than what our families could ever do. As a youth advocate, I have made it a point to tell others about the consequences of their actions,” says Dorcas.

Such revelations from a girl child, in the midst of speculation about the dangers of internet and technology, shapes a narrative towards the impact that it is making towards preparing the girl child’s life.

This article seeks to serve as a strong reminder that we are living in a time where the girl child at most has to decide how this digital world can shape and prepare her for the future.