According to the World Economic Forum, only about 30% of the world’s population has equal access to technology and the internet for all genders. This situation is even worse in developing countries, where only 20% of women have access to the internet. This lack of access to the internet and inability to use it not only limits women’s ability to participate in the digital economy but also prevents them from accessing essential services and information. For any modern economy looking to grow rapidly, the participation of its entire workforce in the formal economy is essential. In today’s world, where the majority of business is dependent on the internet, the digital gender gap is a serious constraint in front of economic growth. In the subsequent paragraphs, we’ll try to understand the digital gender gap and explore how to bridge it.
The digital gender gap
The digital gender gap is the disparities that exist between men and women in access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The term “digital gender gap” was coined by UN Women in 2010.
Despite progress in closing the global gender gap overall, women and girls continue to be left behind in the digital world. The digital divide is often thought of as a divide between those who have access to technology and those who do not. However, even when women have access to ICTs, they often do not have the same level of skills or opportunities to use them for their empowerment as men do. The digital gender gap also refers to this disparity in skills, opportunities, and power between men and women concerning ICTs.
There are many reasons why the digital gender gap exists. One reason is that girls and women often face greater barriers to accessing and using ICTs than boys and men. These barriers can be economic, social, or cultural. The pandemic has highlighted just how big the digital gender gap is. Women are far less likely than men to have access to the internet and the skills they need to use it effectively. This puts them at a disadvantage in terms of education, work, and even health care.
Giving women access to the internet and teaching them digital skills can help them overcome many of the obstacles they face. With internet access, women can gain new knowledge and skills, connect with others, and find new opportunities. Digital knowledge can also play a significant role in women’s safety. With digital equity, women can be empowered to reach their full potential.
Digital Equity
Digital equity is about providing everyone with equal opportunities to use technology to improve their lives. It includes making sure that everyone has access to the internet and the skills they need to use it effectively.
To close the digital gender gap, it is important to provide women with better access to technology and digital skills training. The government, corporates, and society need to support women-led businesses and initiatives that are working to bridge the divide.
Providing women with digital equity
There are several ways by which women can be provided with digital equity and the digital gender gap filled. One way is to provide them with access to the internet and affordable smartphones. The government should make digital education compulsory in primary and secondary schools. Society and corporates must build an environment that is conducive to the participation of women in the digital world. Incentivizing businesses promoting digital equity could also be a strong push to promote gender equity in the corporate world.
Providing women with digital equity can help to close the gender gap in many areas of life, including education, employment, and entrepreneurship. It can also help them to have a voice in the digital world.
Conclusion
The digital gender gap is a black spot on the face of a world that boasts about its technological advancements and digital prowess. The real essence of digital technologies lies in providing equal opportunities to everyone irrespective of age, caste, creed, or gender. The government wants all of its citizens to be a part of the formal economy, however, unless all genders have their fair share of digital equity, it is not possible. Therefore, the digital gender gap is not only a modern social evil but also a huge economic constraint too. It is high time that governments, businesses, and society come together to bridge this gap as much as possible as soon as possible.
Article Credits: The Times of India