Despite increasing digitization in people’s daily lives, The digital gender gap has increased; globally, about 63% of women have internet access today, compared to 69% of men.
Across all areas of digital technology, women and girls remain underappreciated, from coding and creativity, to accessing services, drafting regulations and policies. This disparity comes at a heavy cost: UN women estimate that, by ending the exclusion of women from the digital sector, about $1 trillion could be added to the GDP of low- and middle-income countries.
And women and girls are often hindered by an actively hostile environment in this area; On average, women are paid 21% less than men, they face significantly lower promotion rates and nearly half report workplace harassment.
These statistics highlight the urgent need to change the online environment and expand access to women and girls. The UN is supporting a range of projects that support this goal; here are some examples.
‘With little or no resources, I can make a big difference’
When she learned that her high school in Eswatini offered classes in information and communication technology, student Sizolwethu Maphanga was unconcerned: as far as she could tell, there was no connection to the challenges. In the real world that her community and country faces, something research has shown is a major driver of many girls’ career choices.
“I was lucky enough to be enrolled, but I never loved it so much,” she said.
Things changed for Sizolwethu when she joined a programming camp run by the Africa Girls Can Code Initiative. There, she said, her passion for technology grew as the camp “opened my eyes to the game-changing innovations that could impact Africa. I’ve learned that, with little or no resources, I can make a big difference with passion and determination.”
Learn more about how the UN-supported camp, which has ignited the fire in the minds of hundreds of girls, This.
Gender game: WeRise
Ending gender inequality isn’t easy, but in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), WeRise, a new app is proving that online gaming can raise awareness and spur discussions. discussion of gender roles and stereotypes.
The app offers games and quizzes as well as a social platform for users to share posts, interact on forums, and call to action on gender-related topics. Since its launch in July 2022, the app has been downloaded thousands of times and is the leader among sponsored apps in the region.
Designed as a “youth for youth” project and supported by UN Women, WeRise was developed by more than 100 young people from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia, and is available in Arabic, English and French.
Read full story This.
SOS in Serbia
The blockade order was imposed by many countries after the pandemic COVID-19 The pandemic has seen a dramatic increase in domestic violence, with women finding it harder to escape their abusers. Often, their phones are monitored and if it is discovered that they have tried to call or text a support organization, they may be at greater risk.
A Serbian organization, SOS Network of Vojvodina, decided to create an app that allows women to report violence and seek help without their abuser knowing, even if their contact information they are tracked.
The app, disguised to avoid detection, has an SOS button that allows users to call or chat directly with support organizations that provide psychosocial support, counseling and referrals to places of interest. may provide other services.
Vojvodina SOS Network President Biljana Stepanov said: “Giving women the choice to decide for themselves how and with whom they will contact in cases of violence is both the biggest challenge and the motivator. biggest. “It sends a message to women that there is a way out,” says Biljana. “They are not alone.”
Read more This.
