According to a report by the World Economic Forum, women make up only 22% of the global AI workforce, 23% of the global gaming workforce, and 30% of the global tech workforce.

Gender inequality is a persistent issue that plagues societies all over the world. Though numerous efforts have been made to eradicate gender inequality and empower women, there is still a significant gap between men and women, particularly in the digital world. Digital gender inequality refers to the disparity between men and women in the access, use, and impact of digital technologies. While innovation and technology have transformed our lives in countless ways, they have also deepened gender inequalities in various areas. However, the same innovation and technology can be used to reduce gender inequality as well.

The issue of digital gender inequality.

Women face several barriers to accessing and using digital technologies, including a lack of access to technology, limited digital literacy, and a lack of confidence in their abilities. For instance, women in low-income countries are less likely than men to own a mobile phone and less likely to have access to the internet. Women in rural areas are also more likely to need more infrastructure and resources to access digital technologies. Additionally, women are less likely than men to be trained in digital skills, further limiting their ability to use digital technologies.

These barriers lead to a significant gender gap in the digital world, with men more likely to use digital technologies for education, work, and personal purposes. For instance, men are more likely to use social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to network and find job opportunities. Conversely, women are more likely to use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram for personal purposes. This gender gap in the use of digital technologies can significantly impact women’s economic, social, and political empowerment.

Causes of digital gender inequality

Several factors contribute to digital gender inequality:

Lack of access to technology: As mentioned earlier, women in low-income countries are less likely to own a mobile phone or have access to the internet. This lack of access to technology makes it difficult for women to participate in the digital world and limits their ability to access information, education, and job opportunities.

A World Wide Web Foundation study found that only 48% of women in developing countries have access to the internet, compared to 58% of men.

Digital literacy amongst women: Women are less likely to be trained in digital skills than men, which limits their ability to use digital technologies effectively. This lack of digital literacy can also lead to a lack of confidence in women’s abilities to use digital technologies, which further reinforces the gender gap.

A study by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media found that women make up only 17% of the characters in video games and only 30% of the speaking roles in popular films.

According to the European Commission, only 34% of women in the EU have basic digital skills, compared to 45% of men.

Cultural and social norms: In many societies, women are expected to prioritize their family and household responsibilities over their personal and professional goals. This expectation can limit women’s ability to participate in the digital world and pursue their aspirations.

A report by the International Telecommunication Union found that in low and middle-income countries, women are 8% less likely than men to own a mobile phone and 13% less likely to own a smartphone.

Safe online environment: Women face harassment and abuse online, which can discourage them from using digital technologies and participating in online communities.

A study by the United Nations found that 73% of women have experienced online harassment or abuse, including threats of violence, sexual harassment, and stalking.

A World Wide Web Foundation report found that women are 30% to 50% less likely than men to participate in online forums or social media groups.

How innovation and technology can reduce digital gender inequality

Innovation and technology can potentially reduce digital gender inequality by providing women access to technology, improving their digital literacy, and creating a safe and inclusive online environment.

Several initiatives have been established to provide women in low-income countries with access to mobile phones, computers, and the internet. For instance, the GSMA Connected Women program aims to increase women’s access to mobile technology by working with mobile operators and policymakers to reduce barriers to access.

Another way innovation and technology can reduce digital gender inequality is by improving women’s digital literacy. Several organizations have established training programs to teach women digital skills, such as coding, digital marketing, and social media management. These programs can help women develop the skills they need to use digital technologies effectively and pursue their professional goals.

In addition to providing access to technology and improving digital literacy, innovation and technology can also create a safe and inclusive online environment for women. Several initiatives have been set up to address online harassment and abuse, such as the #MeToo movement and the creation of online safe spaces for women. These initiatives can help women feel more comfortable using digital technologies and participating in online communities.

Conclusion

Digital gender inequality is a significant issue that affects women all over the world. Women face several barriers to accessing and using digital technologies, including a lack of access to technology, limited digital literacy, and a lack of confidence in their abilities. However, innovation and technology can be used to reduce gender inequality in the digital world. By providing women with access to technology, improving their digital literacy, and creating a safe and inclusive online environment, we can reduce the gender gap in the digital world and empower women to pursue their goals and aspirations.

About the Author

Devshree Golecha is the Vice President of Data Engineering, Architecture & Analytics at TDECU.

With 15 years of experience heading enterprise-wide analytics, automation, and optimization projects, Golecha has served as an Adjunct Professor of Quality Improvement and Statistics at the University of Houston and is the Global CDO Ambassador and Chair for the State of Texas, representing the International Society of Chief Data Officers and CDOIQ MIT.

Golecha, recognized on the 40 under 40 list by Houston Business Journal and CDO Magazine, was also named one of the Leading Academic Data Leaders 2022 and one of the Global Data Power Women 2021 and 2022 by CDO Magazine.

She is a past president of the Texas Gulf Coast Association of Healthcare Quality and a regional community leader for Harvard Business School’s online program.

Golecha received her postgraduate degree in data science at Purdue University, holds an MBA in finance, and is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.