country survey found that women are 30-50% less likely than men to speak out online, or to use the web to access information related to their rights. Women are also 25% less likely to use the Internet for job-seeking than men. Gender-responsive ICT policies are a strategic opportunity to curb and close the digital gender divides. These are policies designed with the specific challenges women faced in mind, and that commitment to setting clear, time bound targets on connecting women, budgetary allocation to support the implementation of the set targets, as well as research that is disaggregated by gender. If Liberia is to achieve universal access for all its citizens, then it is imperative that existing gender gap in access and use of ICT are progressively minimized. 5.7.2 Summary of Strategies Conduct a gender gap audit to offer a preliminary baseline assessment of the state of access and use of the internet by women and girls in Liberia. This would be initiated in specific geographies, such as those with the highest rate of connectivity, and scaled to a nationwide assessment. Invest in household survey research that will help inform how Liberian citizens access and use the internet. This research should be designed to have genderdisaggregated data that assists with analyzing how access and the use of the Internet varies by gender, income level, education level, age and other identified demographic factors. 5.8 Mainstreaming ICT Youth The youth are critical catalysts in Liberia’s socio - economic development plans, and are acknowledged as an ICT-oriented generation. For Liberia to harness the huge potential that ICT offers, it is important to leverage ICT for positive youth orientation and development, as well as to ensure that the youth use ICT responsibly and productively8. According to population statistics9, 44.3% of Liberia's populations fall under the 15 years group, making it necessary to ensure a strong ICT foundation critical to National development. 5.8.1 Policy Objectives The Government will: 1. Promote the use of ICT, in partnership with Youth-focused bodies particularly Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and relevant MDA’s to deliver information and content that emphasize citizen agency and socioeconomic development; 2. Support the delivery of programs designed to ensure that the youth focus on productive application of ICT; 3. Promote incentive and support schemes targeted at youth entrepreneurship initiatives in ICT; 4. Ensure the online safety mechanisms are in place to support youth use of technology; and increase awareness among youth about cyber-security issues; 8 9 http://www.youthpolicy.org/national/Liberia_2012_Revised_Youth_Policy_Presentation.pdf http://countrymeters.info/en/Liberia#population_2016 40