International Women’s Day 2023: Technology and Innovation in Focus
The priority theme of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), observed today around the world, is the intersection of technology and gender equality. But what do these things have to do with one another? The answer is multifaceted.
If you’re reading this article, you’re equipped with a computer or a smartphone and likely live somewhere where digital technology is a fact of everyday life. Now think about the fact that 37 percent of women around the world do not have access to the Internet at all, and that women are 18 percent less likely than men to own a smartphone. This comparative lack of access excludes far too many women from the enormous transformative potential of digital technologies, creating additional obstacles to their empowerment.
Meanwhile, even where access to digital tools is widespread among women, the tech world itself is dogged by persistent inequalities. Women occupy few positions in this essential and growing sector—in the field of artificial intelligence, for example, they hold just 22 percent of positions, and they represent only 28 per cent of engineering graduates.
And across the world, when women are able to enter the digital world, they too often do not feel safe doing so – and with good reason. A study of 51 countries found that 38 per cent of women had personally experienced online violence.
In choosing this theme for IWD, the UN sends a clear message: these facts must change. Digital empowerment leads to empowerment in general: to educational, occupational, and financial freedom. To achieve gender equality in our increasingly technological world, the digital divide must be closed.
The United Nations Association of New York will host two exciting events in the coming days to mark IWD, both of which all are highly encouraged to attend:
Alongside the 67th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67), we will host a parallel event this Friday, March 10th from 12:30-2PM EST entitled “Technology at its Best and Worst Across Disciplines” and featuring a multidisciplinary panel of speakers. Join us for this deep dive into this year’s IWD priority theme and get to grips with the intersection of technology and gender. Don’t miss it — learn more and register here!
Next week, we will continue our celebration of IWD with a book talk featuring CNN International anchor Zain Asher, who will discuss her inspirational memoir Where the Children Take Us. We’re thrilled to invite you to join us for this event in person on Thursday, March 16th from 6-7:30PM EST at the Nigerian Mission to the UN. The Ambassador of Nigeria will also offer introductory remarks, and a reception and book signing will follow the talk. Learn more and register for this event here!
The UN’s own event marking IWD will take place on Wednesday, March 8th from 10-11:30AM EST with a special event including a panel discussion and musical performances. Follow along to hear from the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, along with other esteemed speakers. Watch all the proceedings live or catch up later via UN Web TV.
Want to spread the word about the day on your own social media? Browse UN Women’s Trello board for materials you can share.
Figures are taken from UN Women’s 2022 Gender Snapshot report, the ITU’s Facts and Figures 2022 report, and the WEF’s 2018 Global Gender Gap report.