Exploring the Digital Gender Divide on #WomenSpeaking Series.

In a recent episode of #WomenSpeaking on Civic Space Tv, a panel hosted by Danita Turiho featuring inspiring women leaders including our Executive Director at HER Internet, Sandra Kwikiriza, delved into pressing issues of the digital gender divide and it’s impacts on womxn, this conversation brought to light the realities womxn face in digital spaces.

The digital gender divide refers to the growing disparity between men and womxn in access to technology, digital literacy and opportunities within the digital economy. Womxn, particularly for structurally silenced communities, often face structural barriers like cultural norms, financial constraints and lack of infrastructure that limit their engagement with digital tools and platforms, resulting in lost opportunities for education, employment and advocacy.

Sandra Kwikiriza emphasized the systemic barriers that prevent womxn from fully embracing the digital world.  “It’s not just about owning a device,” she explained, “the high prices of buying internet, the cost of buying a mobile device coupled with economic inequalities that disproportionately affect womxn from accessing internet especially in rural areas” which underscores the complex interplay of factors that contribute to digital exclusion in Uganda.

In this episode, the panel explored the roots of this divide, shedding light on the various ways it perpetuates inequality driven by cultural barriers, lack of education, and discriminatory policies. They also discussed the potential solutions such as, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, education of the available digital tools, policy reforms to bridge the gender gap. Their insights are not only eye-opening but also serve as a call to action for governments, private sectors and civil society organizations to work together to ensure that womxn can fully and freely participate in the digital environment.

This episode offers a timely reflection on the critical role digital access plays in empowering womxn and driving gender equality. For everyone interested in understanding the impacts of digital exclusion on womxn and how to close the gap, this conversation is a must-see.

Connect with the conversations via: https://youtu.be/F1Ydekcz2bQ?si=hc1A29U3ugJrQp0M