The more knowledge, power and resources are in the hands of women, the better this world is for all. That is at the core my strong belief and I’ve got 21 years of coaching experience in over 80 countries to back up this claim.
If we want to increase global growth and reach the Sustainable Development Goals, it’s crucial that we address gender inequality and give women equality in the workforce. Currently, women are underrepresented in leadership positions and decision-making roles, with just 1 in 3 managers or supervisors being women in the private sector worldwide. We can use tactics like quotas to ensure that women have a seat at the table, and these quotas can be transitional. Gender inequality has economic consequences, and according to a McKinsey Global Institute report, advancing women’s equality could add $12 trillion to global growth by 2025. Let’s not waste this opportunity to create a more equal and prosperous future for all.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is crucial that women and other marginalized groups are included in the technological revolution. Not only does this lead to more innovative and creative solutions, but it also has the potential to promote gender equality and reduce economic and social inequalities.
According to UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2022 report, the exclusion of women from the digital world has cost low and middle-income countries $1 trillion in the past decade, a loss that is projected to increase to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action. In addition, a study of 51 countries revealed that 38% of women have personally experienced online violence.
The United Nations Observance of International Women’s Day 2023, with the theme of “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender inequality,” aims to address these issues and spotlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces. The event will also explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities, and the role of inclusive and transformative technology and digital education in addressing these issues.
Digital technology offers immense opportunities for addressing development and humanitarian challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. However, it also carries the risk of perpetuating existing patterns of gender inequality, as evidenced by the growing divide in digital skills and access to technologies between men and women.
To address this issue, the United Nations Observance of International Women’s Day will host a high-level event on March 8, 2023, bringing together technologists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and gender equality activists to discuss ways to improve access to digital tools and address the digital gender gap. The event will also feature a high-level panel discussion and musical performances.
I am myself a woman with technical computer engineering background. I know how determining factor was to be able to reach places, and people thanks for this sort of education. The problems one can help solve as a woman in tech are unique. We need all hands-on deck to make it happen. There are several reasons why it is important that women and girls have access to technology education and the internet:
- Economic empowerment: Access to technology education and the internet can help women and girls develop valuable skills that can lead to employment and financial independence.
- Education: Technology and the internet provide access to a wealth of knowledge and educational resources, which can help women and girls improve their education and career prospects.
- Social and political participation: The internet and social media platforms provide a way for women and girls to engage with their communities and participate in social and political discourse.
- Health: Access to technology and the internet can help women and girls access information about healthcare and connect with healthcare providers, leading to improved health outcomes.
- Human rights: The internet and technology can help women and girls exercise their rights to freedom of expression and access to information and can be a tool for advocating for their rights.
Access to technology education and the internet shouldn’t be a privilege for few, instead a right for all women and girl. This can help women and girls achieve their full potential and contribute to the development of their communities and societies.
It is important that all stakeholders work together to ensure that the technological revolution is inclusive and promotes gender equality. By addressing the digital gender gap and protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Tags IWD, international women’s day, 2023, Digitall, #embraceequality, IWD2023
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