#Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality 2023
Consistent with its mission to pursue the cause of women’s rights particularly those working in the communication industry and in education, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Philippine chapter continues to promote gender equality in all aspects of life. Adding to the growing voices of women all over the world, IAWRT asserts the call of women for equal opportunities, especially in today’s fast-paced digital age.
In line with the priority theme of the recently-concluded 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67), “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls,” IAWRT joins the United Nations’ Observance of International Women’s Day, which recognizes and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.
Data shows that internet access for women in developing countries like the Philippines remains inadequate, not only due to scant resources among communities but also because government priorities are more inclined towards other so-called institutional and economic development over social advancements of communities. Though the Philippines is among the countries with the highest social media use, women are still among the most disadvantaged and less likely to benefit from opportunities that digital technology offers. Thus, it is crucial to address the digital gender divide.
The United Nations’ latest available Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 data in 2022 show that “the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.” Its “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2022” reports the latest evidence on gender equality across all 17 Goals, emphasizing the long road ahead to achieve gender equality. The report “emphasizes the interlinkages among the goals, the pivotal force gender equality plays in driving progress across the SDGs, and women and girls’ central role in leading the way.”
Thus, we call on government leaders to be more proactive in addressing the needs of women and girls, especially in terms of access to technological developments and innovations. When half of the population lags behind because of the glaring reality of misrepresentation, society can never move forward to achieve its goals.
This is IAWRT Philippines’ call for DigitALL.
#Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality 2023
