BRIDGING THE GENDER DIVIDE THROUGH DIGITAL INCLUSION: A CALL TO ACTION FROM THE SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE

At the Summit of the Future held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on September 22nd and 23rd, the world witnessed a defining moment—a collective resolve to build a resilient, equitable, and inclusive future. As I stood before global leaders, diplomats, and changemakers, I was honored to contribute to one of the most pressing topics of our time: bridging the digital divide, with a focus on gender equity.

For me, this was more than a presentation; it was a call to action. A call to address the systemic inequalities that leave women and girls behind in a digital age that promises opportunity for all. The future we dream of cannot exist until we ensure that half the world’s population—its women and girls—are empowered to thrive in a digitally connected world.

The Gender Divide: A Crisis of Opportunity

We live in an age where technology has the potential to revolutionize lives, yet the gender digital divide remains a stark reality. Globally, women are 18% less likely than men to own a smartphone and far less likely to have access to the internet. In sub-Saharan Africa, where the divide is most pronounced, only 26% of women are connected to the digital world.

This is not merely a gap in connectivity—it is a gap in opportunity. It means fewer girls in classrooms learning digital skills. It means fewer women entrepreneurs accessing online markets. It means fewer voices of women and girls shaping the future of technology and innovation. At its core, the digital divide perpetuates economic exclusion, stifles progress, and limits the ability of women to fully participate in society.

In my years of experience in telecommunications and sustainable innovation, I have seen firsthand how digital exclusion impacts marginalized communities—particularly women and girls. For too long, they have been left behind. This is a crisis we cannot afford to ignore.

Inclusive Innovation: A Pathway to Empowerment

The solution to the gender divide lies in inclusive digital innovation—technology that is designed for all and leaves no one behind. Programs like Kenya’s M-Pesa, which has empowered millions of women to gain financial independence through mobile money, prove that inclusive solutions can transform lives.

But innovation alone is not enough. It must be coupled with intentional policies that prioritize digital literacy for women and girls. It must include investments in infrastructure that connect rural areas, where women are disproportionately excluded. It must involve partnerships—between governments, private sector leaders, and organizations like EmpowerHer Life Foundation—that champion digital tools as a force for gender equity.

At the Summit, I emphasized this point: inclusive digital ecosystems are not an option; they are a necessity. When we empower women with technology, we unlock their potential as leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. We bridge the divide not just in access, but in opportunity.

EmpowerHer Life Foundation: Leading the Charge

At EmpowerHer Life Foundation, we believe that digital inclusion is a cornerstone of empowerment. Our mission to uplift women and girls aligns perfectly with the goals of the Pact for the Future adopted at the Summit. By equipping women with digital skills, we give them the tools to rewrite their futures.

Imagine a young girl in rural Kenya, who, through access to technology, learns coding and becomes a software engineer. Imagine a woman entrepreneur in Cameroon who uses digital platforms to grow her business and support her family. These are not dreams; they are real possibilities—but only if we act.

Through our programs, we are fostering digital literacy, advocating for policies that close the gender gap, and creating opportunities for women to lead in the digital economy. We are building a future where women are not just beneficiaries of technology, but creators and innovators who drive change.

Global Cooperation: A Shared Responsibility

To bridge the digital divide, we must recognize that this is a global challenge that demands global solutions. The Summit of the Future highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation—nations working together to invest in affordable, scalable technologies and to share knowledge that uplifts communities worldwide.

Programs like the Digital Public Goods Alliance demonstrate the power of collaboration. Open-source technologies can be leveraged to provide cost-effective solutions that reach the most underserved populations. Similarly, investments in cybersecurity ensure that women and girls can engage in the digital space without fear of exploitation or harm.

As I stated at the Summit: This is our moment to build bridges, not walls. We must unite to create a digital world that is safe, accessible, and equitable for all.

A Call to Action: The Time Is Now

The gender digital divide is not an abstract issue—it is a reality that affects millions of women and girls every day. Addressing it is not just a matter of equity; it is a matter of justice.

As leaders, innovators, and changemakers, we have a responsibility to act. We must invest in education, infrastructure, and policies that close the gap. We must amplify the voices of women and girls, ensuring they have a seat at the table where decisions are made.

At EmpowerHer Life Foundation, we are committed to this mission. But we cannot do it alone. I invite governments, private sector leaders, and fellow advocates to join us in this fight. Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.

Conclusion: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity

As I reflect on the Summit of the Future, I am filled with hope. Hope that through cooperation, innovation, and unwavering commitment, we can bridge the gender divide and build a world where technology is a force for inclusion and empowerment.

To the women and girls who are still waiting for their chance to shine: your time is now. The digital future belongs to all of us, and together, we will shape it with integrity, equity, and purpose. Let us rise to the challenge. Let us build a digital world that leaves no one behind.