With the onset of COVID-19, digital technologies have become a critical tool for people around the world. The pandemic has caused a health, economic and social crisis, however accelerated the digital revolution.
The ongoing digital revolution comprises a gendered digital divide. The participation of girls and women in the Information Communication Technology sector has been affected by the repercussions of COVID-19. A significant gap between women and men’s access and use of information technology is seen, COVID-19 has increased the gender digital divide across nations.
Information technology has the potential to offer lifesaving information and when deprived of access to healthcare information creates long term hazards. Bridging gaps in women’s access and use of digital technologies improve their abilities to improve their lives and ability to become more self-reliant and strive in an agile work environment.
Women need access to training and capacity building programs to excel in the knowledge economy to emerge as self-reliant and sustainable leaders in the future world. Narrowing the gender digital divide requires government, intermediary organizations, and industries to come together to thrive and recover. Greater involvement of women stakeholders is required to address the needs of the population and leverage technology to promote gender equality.
Providing digital literacy and training can help in creating an equitable digital environment. While there is a long way to go to eradicate the digital divide, efforts have been taken towards lucrative career paths and economic stability. Coordinating actions across various stakeholders along with addressing the barriers preventing women to access digital technologies.
Bold steps need to be taken to ensure women enjoy the fruits of the digital revolution at the best.