The Regional Alliance for the Digitalization of Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, promoted by the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC), UN Women, and the Government of Chile, is leading the charge in reducing gender gaps in information and communications technologies. Their collective, regional, and multisectoral actions promote women’s full participation in the digital economy, and we all must support these initiatives.
One of the initiatives developed by the Alliance is AllConnected, a collaborative platform designed to offer free training opportunities to women in Latin America and the Caribbean interested in enhancing their digital skills to develop digital skills, access new opportunities in the digital economy and promote entrepreneurship.
The Regional Alliance proposes adopting a basic digital basket in Latin American countries that universalizes effective connectivity and expands women’s digital skills through job and technological training.
Advancement of the five lines of action is crucial to achieving an inclusive digital transformation. These actions aim to generate the enabling conditions for a digital society for all people, develop inclusive and intelligent digital solutions for well-being, promote productive and sustainable digital transformation, establish adequate governance for the digital era, and strengthen regional digital cooperation and integration. This comprehensive approach is essential for digital inclusion.
Another relevant case is in Kenya, where the Women in Technology Kenya initiative has worked to empower women and girls through digital skills training, mentoring programs, and support in accessing opportunities in the digital economy. Furthermore, projects such as Women in Tech Uganda train women in advanced technological skills to integrate them into the digital labor market.
In the European Union, the recently implemented Digital Services Regulation (DSA) is a game-changer in creating a safer digital environment. It establishes a legal framework that holds online platforms more accountable for their services, particularly in content moderation. This regulation also enhances transparency in algorithms and safeguards users, including vulnerable groups such as women and girls, against misinformation and online harassment. The DSA’s role in promoting a safer and more inclusive digital environment in Europe is pivotal, and it can serve as a beacon for other regions looking to implement similar digital reforms.
