International Women’s Day, celebrated on the 8th of March every year, is a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was DigitALL – Innovation and technology for gender equality which highlights the importance of creating a gender- equal world. One crucial aspect of achieving this goal is through digital empowerment, particularly in the technology sector.
Technology has transformed the world we live in and has opened up opportunities for women to succeed in every aspect of life. From online education to virtual networking, digital tools have revolutionalised the way women access education, connect with others, and grow their businesses. However, the benefits of technology are not accessible to all women equally. In many parts of the world, women continue to face significant barriers to accessing and using technology.
One of the most significant challenges women face in accessing technology is the digital gender divide. The digital gender divide refers to the unequal distribution of access to digital technologies between women and men. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) , women are 23% less likely to have access to mobile internet than men, and 31% less likely to use mobile internet for financial services. This divide not only limits women’s access to information and opportunities but also perpetuates gender inequality.
To bridge the digital gender divide, it is essential to empower women with the skills and knowledge needed to use digital technologies. This can be achieved through education and training programs that teach women digital literacy skills , including how to use computers and mobile devices, access the internet , and navigate digital platforms . These programs must be accessible to all women, regardless of their age, location, or socio-economic background.
Regional Service Center during Women’s Day Celebrations at their offices in Entebbe, Uganda.
Another crucial aspect of bridging the digital gender divide is ensuring that digital technologies are
designed with women’s needs and perspectives in mind. This includes developing digital tools that are
user-friendly, accessible, and tailored to the needs of women. It also involves creating safe and online
spaces where women can connect with others, access information, and voice their opinions without fear
of harassment or discrimination.
Digital technologies also play a critical role in advancing women’s economic empowerment. From ecommerce
to online freelancing, digital platforms have created new opportunities for women to start
and grow their businesses. By providing access to global markets and resources, digital technologies
have the potential to create more inclusive and equitable economies.
However, women still face significant challenges in accessing these opportunities, including gender bias
and discrimination. For example, women are more likely to face obstacles in accessing finance,
mentorship, and networking opportunities, which are crucial for entrepreneurial success. To overcome
these challenges, it is essential to create supportive environments that promote women’s
entrepreneurship and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
The technology industry has traditionally been male dominated, and women have faced significant
barriers to entry and advancement. However, as technology continues to evolve and become more
integral to our lives, the need for diversity and inclusion in the sector has never been more critical. By
empowering women with digital skills and knowledge, we can create a more equitable and inclusive
future.
Digital empowerment for women involves providing access to digital technologies, training, and
education. This can range from basic digital literacy skills to more advanced technical skills, such as
coding or data analysis. The benefits of digital empowerment are vast, and they extend beyond personal
and professional development. Here a re a few ways on how women can benefit from being digitally
empowered.
- Improved access to education. Digital empowerment can help women access educational
resources and opportunities that they may not have had otherwise. Online courses, webinars,
and other digital learning tools can help women gain knowledge and skills that they can apply to
their careers and personal lives. - Increased employability. The technology sector is growing rapidly, and there is a significant
demand for skilled professionals. By being digitally empowered, women can gain skills they need
to pursue careers in technology, which can lead to higher paying jobs and greater economic
stability. - Entrepreneurial opportunities. Digital empowerment can also open up opportunities for women
to start their own businesses. With digital technologies, women can access global markets and
customers , collaborate with other entrepreneurs , and develop innovative solutions to social
and economic problems - Improved health care. Digital empowerment can also improve access to healthcare for women,
particularly in remote or underserved areas. Telemedicine, digital health records, and other
digital tools can help women access healthcare services and information more easily and
efficiently.
In conclusion, International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made
towards gender equality and the work that remains to be done. The digitALL theme highlights the critical
role of technology in advancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality. By bridging the digital
gender divide, empowering women with digital skills, and creating inclusive online spaces, we can create
a more equitable and just world for all women and girls.