"DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality" is the theme for International Women's Day on March 8, 2023 (IWD 2023). This theme is consistent with the priority theme for the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67): "Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls."
The International Women's Day (IWD) observance hosted by the United Nations recognizes and celebrates the women and girls driving the development of transformative technology and digital education. The International Women's Day celebration in 2023 will investigate how the digital gender gap contributes to growing economic and social inequality. The event will also highlight the significance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing gender-based violence enabled by online platforms and other forms of information and communication technology (ICT).
Including women and members of other underrepresented groups in technological development leads to the development of more inventive solutions and increases the potential for innovations that address the concerns of women and advance the cause of gender equality. Their exclusion, on the other hand, comes with massive costs: according to the UN Women's Gender Snapshot 2022 report, women's exclusion from the digital world has shaved $1 trillion off of the gross domestic product of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade; this loss will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 if action is not taken to address the problem.
To buck this trend, it will be necessary to address the issue of violence experienced online, which a survey conducted in 51 countries revealed 38% of women had personally encountered.
Recent advances in digital technology present a wealth of opportunities to address development and humanitarian challenges and accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda. A gender-responsive approach to innovation, technological advancement, and digital education can raise women's and girls' awareness of their rights and the importance of civic participation. Regrettably, in addition to the many benefits that the digital revolution has brought about, it also brings the possibility that gender inequality will be maintained in its current form.
Because of the digital gender gap, growing disparities are becoming increasingly apparent in the context of digital skills and access to technologies. As a result of this digital gender gap, women are falling further and further behind. Because of this, the requirement for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education is essential for a sustainable future.
On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), a high-level event will commemorate the United Nations Observance of International Women's Day under the theme "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality." Following a high-level panel discussion and musical performances, the event will bring together gender equality activists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and technologists to provide an opportunity to highlight the role of all stakeholders in improving access to digital tools.
Helia Mohammadi
Social Media Specialist