By: Juana Sanchez Castillo

Press Conference by Germany, France, and Switzerland in regards to anti-corruption

As the General Assembly Third Committee (GA3) discussed topic two on the improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas, several similar positions emerged. Representatives from Zambia, Liberia and France have noted their support in improving accessibility to literacy as a way of improving the situation for women.

Digital literacy was one form that was emphasized by Zambia and Liberia. While there is no single definition, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines digital literacy as “the ability to access, manage, understand, integrate, communicate, evaluate and create information safely and appropriately through digital technologies for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.”

Representatives Martissa Ortiz-Young and Lillian Johnston of Zambia believe that access to digital literacy is essential in supporting programs within communities. The representatives noted that women can make a big impact on countries. “Currently in our resolution, we’re trying to bridge the divide in technological advancements where women and girls don’t have access to and trying to mediate that. Essentially, how that can help increase our financial and agricultural positions currently and make them more present in a global sphere,” said Representative Ortiz-Young.Representative Cherry Weis of Liberia seconded the ideas of Zambia, saying, “Digital literacy, especially in women, (…) is definitely very important, especially in Liberia (…) and most African nations.”

In a press conference, Representative Cristina Toro of France introduced the Oppressed Peoples Awareness Literacy (OPAL). Representative Toro said, “We are actively supporting the establishment of a UN program centered around community-based oppression awareness, information and education, which is formally known as OPAL.” In doing so, they believe that it would be “designed to enhance community engagement and service, of course, at the state’s discretion,” says Representative Toro.

Representatives from Zambia, Liberia and France believe in the importance of literacy in women as a way of not only prospering as a Member State, as Representative Ortiz-Young of Zambia believes, but also creating a “global youth center” as Representative Toro believes.