Although there have been improvements in reducing the gender digital divide, progress is still quite slow when considering SDG gender equality targets, especially in the global south. Higher-quality data, both quantitative and qualitative, are imperative for understanding the multidimensional aspects of the gender digital divide.
,We must consider contextual differences when interpreting gender digital divide data across countries. There are challenges in understanding the underlying mechanisms and reasons behind all of the results, but research is ongoing, especially through the EQUALS Global Partnership.
Good-quality, nationally representative data on digital use by gender, including non-binary identities, is needed across countries, especially in the global south. It is important to track historical data to measure progress.
,Findings from data across different countries should be interpreted carefully by considering variations in social context. In addition to quantitative data, qualitative data should be collected for this purpose.
Post-Session Report: Measuring Gender Digital Inequality in the Global South
Lightning Talks
October 9, 2023
Internet Governance Forum, Kyoto, Japan
At this lightning talk session, three experts, representing diverse regions and experiences, shared their recent research findings on understanding the gender digital divide in the Global South. This session underscored the importance of quality measurement in addressing gender digital inclusion. Through their presentations, the researchers shared strategies and resources that can be used to implement policies, surveys, and other tools to collect gender ICT data. Although many challenges associated with measuring the gender digital divide are region-specific, it is hoped that this session provided a platform for researchers and practitioners to connect and share knowledge that can be transferred across contexts.
Moderator
Dr. So Young Kim, KAIST
Speakers
Dr. Alison Gillwald, Research ICT Africa
Dr. Christopher Yoo, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Maria Garrido, University of Washington
Dr. Matias Centeno, National Institute of Agriculture Technology, Argentina
Key takeaways
- Although there have been improvements in reducing the gender digital divide, progress is still quite slow when considering SDG gender equality targets, especially in the global south. Higher-quality data, both quantitative and qualitative, are imperative for understanding the multidimensional aspects of the gender digital divide.
- We must consider contextual differences when interpreting gender digital divide data across countries. There are challenges in understanding the underlying mechanisms and reasons behind all of the results, but research is ongoing, especially through the EQUALS Global Partnership.
Lightning Talk 1: Gender Digital Inequality in Africa
Alison Gillwald, PhD
Executive Director, Research ICT Africa and Professor, University of Cape Town Nelson Mandela School of Governance
https://researchictafrica.net/
Key points
- Fundamental data is needed for developing evidence-based policy. The After Access Surveys aim to fill the gap in basic data collection across countries in Africa.
- Significant gender gaps in Africa reflect and have the potential to exacerbate underlying structural and intersectional inequalities. Women are not a homogenous group. Gender inequalities clearly intersect with inequalities in other segments of the population.
- It is also important to consider the third-level digital divide. Once online, women also appear more restricted than men in the uses of digital technologies and the benefits they can derive from using them.
Lightning Talk 2: The Impact of Mobile Internet Uptake and Use in Bangladesh and Ghana
Christopher Yoo, PhD
John H. Chestnut Professor of Law and Founding Director of Center for Technology, Innovation & Competition, University of Pennsylvania
https://www.law.upenn.edu/institutes/ctic/
Key points
- Qualitative and quantitative study in Bangladesh and Ghana assessing the impact of mobile internet connectivity on socioeconomic well-being showed the importance of cultural context.
- Different types of mobile internet use provided more benefits for women’s wellbeing in each country. Overall, women faced greater criticism for their Internet use compared to men, and were more likely to be unhappy with their internet use.
- Future longitudinal research will examine the impacts of coming online for women in Bangladesh.
Lightning Talk 3: The State of Inclusive Connectivity & Meaningful Access to Information
Maria Garrido, PhD
Principal Research Scientist, Technology & Social Change Group of University of Washington
Matias Centeno, PhD
Principal Research Scientist at the National Institute of Agriculture Technology, Argentina
Key points
- The Development and Access to Information (DA2i) dashboards demonstrate how inclusive connectivity and meaningful access to information contributes to development, and is embedded across the UN 2030 Agenda (https://da2i-dashboards.org/).
- Between 2015 and 2022, connectivity has improved but still drags behind 2030 targets, gender equity has made slow and weak progress, and civil rights and political freedoms have declined.
- In order to assess progress, we need better, more quality data tracked historically.