Gender equality and digital economy

tribune.com.pk/story/2421360/gender-equality-and-digital-economy

June 13, 2023

Cultural barriers that discourage women from accessing digital

technologies should also be addressed

Thw writer is Panel Member, UNHLP on Women’s Economic

Empowerment. She tweets @Fiza_Farhan

Gender equality is a fundamental human right that is essential for

sustainable development. One area where gender equality has the
potential to be significantly advanced is in the digital economy. The
digital economy is growing at an unprecedented rate, with new
technologies transforming the way we live and work. It encompasses a
broad range of industries, including e-commerce, social media, fintech
and digital marketing. The digital economy has the potential to provide
women with new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and
economic empowerment. However, the digital gender gap remains a
significant barrier to achieving gender equality in the digital economy.
One of the key advantages of the digital economy is that it offers
women more flexible work arrangements, including remote work and
freelance opportunities that can help them balance their work and
personal lives. For example, women who live in rural areas or who have
caregiving responsibilities can access job opportunities that were
previously out of reach. Additionally, the digital economy provides
women with access to markets and customers beyond their immediate
geographic area, which can help level the playing field and increase
their earning potential.

Moreover, digital technologies can provide women with access to

education and training, regardless of their location. Online learning
platforms can help women acquire new skills and knowledge, which
can help them advance in their careers or start their own businesses.
They can also provide women with access to information, which can
help them make informed decisions about their health, education, and
careers.

Despite the potential benefits of the digital economy, the digital gender
gap remains a significant barrier to achieving gender equality. Women
are underrepresented in tech-related fields and occupations, and they
often face discrimination and harassment online, which can limit their
participation in digital spaces and discourage them from pursuing
careers in the digital economy.

One of the main reasons for the digital gender gap is the lack of access
to digital technologies and digital skills. Women in low- and middle-
income countries are less likely to have access to digital technologies
and internet connectivity, which can limit their access to education,
healthcare and job opportunities. Moreover, women in many countries
face cultural and social barriers to accessing and using digital
technologies, such as restrictions on mobile phone ownership,
restrictions on internet use and limited access to digital skills training.
Another reason for the digital gender gap is the lack of female
representation in tech-related fields and occupations. Women are
underrepresented in STEM fields, where highest-paying jobs in the
digital economy are found. This is partly due to social and cultural
norms that discourage girls and women from pursuing careers in STEM
fields. Additionally, women who do enter STEM fields often face
discrimination and bias in the workplace.

To promote gender equality in the digital economy, it is essential to

address the digital gender gap and the barriers to digital inclusion for
women. Governments, civil society organisations and the private sector
can take several steps to promote digital inclusion for women. To begin
with, governments and organisations can increase access to digital
technologies, such as smartphones and computers, by providing
subsidies or low-cost devices. Additionally, initiatives can be taken to
provide internet access in rural and remote areas. Digital skills training
can help women develop the skills needed to effectively use digital
technologies. Organisations can provide training programmes,
workshops, and online resources to teach women the basics of
computer literacy, coding, and other digital skills.

Cultural barriers that discourage women from accessing digital

technologies should also be addressed. Organisations can work to
promote gender equality in STEM fields and encourage women to
pursue careers in technology-related fields. Finally, online harassment
should also be addressed to ensure that women are entering a safe
and fruitful digital environment.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13th, 2023.

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