“Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women through Digital Innovation”

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every year to recognize the achievements of women while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Each year, a theme focuses on a specific aspect of women’s rights and opportunities. The theme for 2023 is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” highlighting the role of technology in promoting gender equality and empowering women globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the importance of technology in allowing women to work, learn, and connect remotely. However, it has also exposed the digital gender divide, where women and girls are often excluded from accessing technology and digital skills training.

To implement the DigitALL theme, governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector must work together to bridge the digital gender divide. This requires policies and initiatives that promote greater access to technology and digital skills training for women and girls. For example, policies that increase the availability and affordability of technology, such as mobile phones and internet services, can help reduce the gender gap in access to technology. Other initiatives, such as digital literacy programs and coding camps for girls, can help develop the digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy.

Digital Literacy at grassroots

Several policies can influence the implementation of DigitALL. Governments can invest in infrastructure to expand internet access and improve connectivity in rural areas. They can also fund digital literacy programs and skills training for women and girls. Additionally, policies that promote gender diversity in the technology sector and support women-led businesses can help increase women’s participation in the digital economy.

Some examples of how the DigitALL theme can be implemented in India include launching digital literacy programs, promoting women-led technology businesses, increasing access to mobile phones and internet services, and increasing the representation of women in technology leadership positions. For instance, the National Digital Literacy Mission aims to provide digital literacy training to at least one member of every household in India. In contrast, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and connect with investors.

Technology innovations should focus on developing digital solutions that address women’s unique challenges, such as gender-based violence, maternal health, and childcare. Technology companies can partner with women’s organizations to better understand the needs of women and develop targeted solutions. Furthermore, women’s participation in the technology sector must be increased, and policies should support the growth of women-led businesses and promote gender diversity in technology leadership positions.

To sum up, the theme of “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” for International Women’s Day 2023 highlights the crucial role of technology in promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide. By bridging the digital gender divide and promoting greater access to technology and digital skills training, we can create a more equal and just world for women everywhere. Implementing this theme requires collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to develop policies and initiatives that support women’s digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the technology sector. It is time to harness the power of technology to address the unique challenges women face and promote a future where gender equality is a reality for all.

Aastha Dhingra, the writer of the article, is the Assistant Professor & Clinical Psychologist at SGT University.