IGF 2023 WS #557 Bridging the Gendered Digital Divide: Global Perspective

Subtheme

Digital Divides & Inclusion
Gender Digital Divide

Organizer 1: Mauricia Cindy Abdol Tshilunda, 🔒
Organizer 2: Pranav Bhaskar Tiwari, Internet Society Foundation
Organizer 3: Nana Ama Yeboah Addo, Internet Society

Speaker 1: Shreya Shruti, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Temilade Adelakun, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 3: Andrei Dodea, Private Sector, Eastern European Group
Speaker 4: Saba Tiku Beyene, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
Speaker 5: Diná Santana Santos, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Moderator

Pranav Bhaskar Tiwari, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

Online Moderator

Mauricia Cindy Abdol Tshilunda, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization

Rapporteur

Nana Ama Yeboah Addo, Technical Community, African Group

Format

Round Table - 90 Min

Policy Question(s)

What measures can be taken to enhance digital literacy skills among women and girls, considering the diverse socio-cultural contexts that influence their access to technology?
How can policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector collaborate to address the barriers faced by women and girls in accessing digital technologies?
What are the best practices and innovative solutions that can be implemented to promote digital inclusion?

What will participants gain from attending this session? Attending the session will provide participants with valuable benefits:
1. Insights into Effective Strategies: Participants will gain valuable insights into effective strategies and best practices for promoting digital inclusion among women and girls.
2. Actionable Recommendations: They will receive concrete and actionable recommendations to address barriers to digital access, empowering them to drive meaningful change.
3. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to network and collaborate with experts and organizations working on gender equality and digital inclusion.
4. Access to a Comprehensive Report: They will have access to a comprehensive report summarizing key findings, insights, and recommendations, serving as a valuable resource for their work.
5. Continued Engagement: The session will foster continued engagement through follow-up events and activities, enabling participants to deepen their knowledge and contribute to advancing digital inclusion and gender equality.

Description:

In an era marked by progress towards digital inclusion, it is crucial to address the persistent barriers faced by women and girls in accessing and utilizing digital technologies. This impactful panel delves into the multifaceted nature of these barriers, providing a global perspective and shedding light on critical issues.

By exploring the factors contributing to the digital divide, including limited internet access, digital literacy gaps, and societal constraints, the session uncovers the profound implications for women and girls, encompassing restricted educational and economic opportunities, social isolation, and heightened vulnerability to online harassment and gender-based violence.

Combining rigorous research, compelling case studies, and meaningful stakeholder engagement, this session generates invaluable insights into effective strategies for bridging the gender digital divide. It goes beyond identifying best practices and innovative solutions, aiming to foster their scalable implementation. The panel will culminate in actionable recommendations directed towards policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector, empowering them to drive substantial progress in promoting digital inclusion for women and girls.

Expected Outcomes

The panel will lead to the following outcomes:
1. Identification of Effective Strategies and Best Practices: The panel discussion will identify effective strategies and best practices for promoting digital inclusion among women and girls, providing valuable guidance to stakeholders.
2. Concrete Recommendations for Stakeholders: The session will result in actionable recommendations for policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector to address barriers to digital access.
3. Collaboration and Partnership Building: The panel aims to foster collaboration and partnership among stakeholders working on gender equality and digital inclusion.
4. Generation of a Comprehensive Report: A report summarizing key findings, insights, and recommendations will be generated, serving as a valuable resource for future initiatives.
5. Follow-up Events and Processes: To sustain momentum, follow-up events like workshops or policy dialogues will be organized to build on recommendations and advance the agenda for digital inclusion and gender equality.

Hybrid Format: 1. Introduction: Onsite and online moderators will introduce speakers, allocating 5 minutes each for introductory remarks.
2. Moderated Discussion: Speakers will engage in a 20-minute discussion on policy questions.
3. Q&A Session: A 10-minute session will allow onsite and online participants to ask questions.
4. Wrap-up: In the final 5 minutes, both moderators will summarize key points.
5. Interactive Polls/Surveys: Gather feedback and opinions using online polling and surveys.
6. Online Collaboration Tools: Use tools like Mural for interactive exercises and brainstorming.
7. Online Moderation: Ensure smooth flow of online participation, alternating between onsite and remote engagement.
8. Utilize Online Tools: Conduct instant polls, encourage discussions with designated hashtags.
9. Organizing Team Expertise: With experience in hosting hybrid panels, we ensure an engaging experience for both onsite and online audiences.
10. Pledge: Attendees will be asked to make one pledge (promised action) to bridging the gendered digital divide.