On the 8th of March we celebrate the International Women Day, with the purpose to remember the social, economic, political achievements, as well as the discrimination and violence that women are still facing and fighting worldwide. Specifically, the topic chosen by the United Nations Observance of International Women’s Day 2023 (IWD) for this year is: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. As highlighted by the United Nations, the theme reflects also the one set-up for the upcoming 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”. The aim of this IWD is to outline the impact of the digital gender gap and analyse the increasing inequalities arising among the population as a result.
Digital inclusion for migrant women
Technology has become a fundamental aspect of daily life, affecting how people communicate, work, and access information, especially the COVID-19 pandemic has made this more evident than ever before. However, technology access is not evenly distributed, and many groups face barriers to accessing technology and the internet. Among these groups, migrant women face significant challenges in accessing technology, which can limit their ability to participate fully in society and contribute to further marginalisation. In this blog, we will explore the issue of gender inequality in technology access for migrant women and its implications. Their lack of inclusion, by contrast, comes with massive costs: as per UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2022 report, women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved $1 trillion from the gross domestic product of low – and middle-income countries in the last decade – a loss that will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action.
It is important to highlight that by digital inclusion we are referring not only to the access to information and communications technology, but it is to be considered as a greater channel to improve skills, enhance quality of life, support education and to promote economic wellbeing across all elements of society.
Migrant women continue to face several challenges that contribute to their exclusion from digital technology. Firstly, this generates the raising of economic barriers, as a results of low-wage jobs and no proper job security. In addition, linguistic barriers are another significant challenge for migrant women, for those who come from non-English speaking countries. As a results, they face several problems in accessing online information that are often only in English, such as job applications, educational materials, government and essential healthcare services. In addition, limited access to technology can make it difficult for migrant women to maintain social connections and support networks, which can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Projects aimed to reduce the digital divide for migrant women policy research
To address the digital divide for migrant women, several steps can be taken. The governments and non-governmental organizations have already launched different projects and programmes aimed to reduce the barriers that migrant women might face in their access to technology supporting digital inclusion. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research in the United States has released the “Migrant Women’s Digital Literacy Project”, which provides training and support to help migrant women improve their digital literacy skills and overcome the barriers to technology access. Connected Women by GSMA, aimed to reduce the gender gap in mobile phone ownership and internet access.
Remote Learning and Information and Learning Centre
Providing access to technology and digital skills training can support migrant women to participate fully in society and the digital economy. MOAS believes that gender inequality in technology access for migrant women is a significant issue that requires attention and action. By addressing the specific barriers faced by this group and providing access to technology and digital skills training, we can work towards a more inclusive and equal digital future for all. For this, our Remote Learning Project, designed to support asylum seekers’ families residing in reception centres, was useful not only for the children – to keep up with their studies – but also offered to the mothers the opportunity of accessing and using technology to attend courses and improving their skills. Moreover, the planned realisation of an Information & Learning Centre in Hal Far reception centres will help women residents access educational opportunities, training and vocational activities, CV writing workshops, job support and much more.
Conclusion
Hence, a gender-responsive approach to innovation, technology and digital education can increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights and civic engagement. Advancements in digital technology offer immense opportunities to address development and humanitarian challenges, and to achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. Unfortunately, the opportunities of the digital revolution also present a risk of perpetuating existing patterns of gender inequality. Growing inequalities are becoming increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies, with women being left behind as the result of this digital gender divide. The need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education is therefore crucial for a sustainable future.
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