IWD 2024: How technology is helping accelerate women's progress today

International Women's Day (IWD), observed for more than a century, stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the unyielding spirit that has propelled women forward. In 2004, as we gather to honour this day, our focus resonates with the United Nation's theme for the year, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress." 

This theme underscores the urgent need to invest in women's empowerment as a catalyst for societal, economic, and political advancement. It serves as a stark reminder that achieving gender equality and fostering women's well-being are imperative for building prosperous economies and nurturing a sustainable planet.

The urgency of this call is underscored by the staggering $360 billion annual deficit projected in gender-equality measures by 2030. Time is of the essence, necessitating concerted efforts to bridge this gap and ensure that women are afforded equitable opportunities to thrive and excel.

Investing in women through technology offers a multifaceted approach that can ignite progress across various domains of life and serve as a catalyst for the advancement of women:

Access to Education: Technology breaks down barriers to education, especially for women and girls in underserved communities. Online learning platforms and digital resources render learning more accessible, flexible, and affordable. For example, initiatives like the Malala Fund provide scholarships and advocate for policy changes to support girls' education worldwide, while the Campaign for Female Education Association is Africa's largest and fastest-growing peer-to-peer support and leadership network of young women activists for girls' education.

Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment: Technology empowers women entrepreneurs by providing them with tools and resources to establish and expand their businesses. E-commerce platforms, digital marketing tools, and online payment systems and banking, enhance market access, enabling women to not only reach global customers, but also gain financial independence.

For instance, organisations like Grameen Bank revolutionised the concept of microfinance. It provides small loans to the impoverished, particularly women, empowering them to start businesses and break the cycle of poverty. It has become a beacon of hope for millions, fostering economic independence and social development across rural Bangladesh and beyond.

Grameen Bank fully embraced mobile technology to enhance its services and reach a wider audience. Through its mobile banking platform, women can access their accounts, make transactions, and receive financial services conveniently, even in remote areas where traditional banking infrastructure is lacking.

Closing the Gender Pay Gap: Technology plays a pivotal role in promoting pay equity by enhancing transparency and accountability in the workplace. Digital platforms that track and analyse salary data help identify gender-based pay disparities and advocate for fair compensation practices. Initiatives like salary transparency tools and negotiation skills training, championed by organisations such as the American Association of University Women, help bridge the gender pay gap and ensure equal pay for equal work. Additionally, online platforms, like Fairygodboss, specifically cater to women in the workforce by providing resources and community support for salary negotiation and career advancement.

Healthcare and Well-being: Technological innovations in healthcare enhance access to quality medical services and empower women to manage their health proactively. Telemedicine platforms, wearable devices, and health-tracking apps provide convenient healthcare access, enabling women to monitor their well-being remotely and access personalised care. 

For instance, in rural areas of India where women may have limited mobility and face social stigma when seeking healthcare, organisations like Seva Mandir have implemented telemedicine programs. Through these programs, women can consult with doctors via video calls, receive medical advice, and even get prescriptions without needing to travel long distances to a clinic.

Similarly, in countries like Kenya, organisations like PharmAccess Foundation have developed mobile health applications that provide women with access to healthcare information, appointment scheduling, and consultations with healthcare providers. These platforms help bridge the gap in healthcare access for women in remote areas or those who may face challenges in visiting traditional healthcare facilities.

Leadership and Representation: Technology amplifies women's voices in leadership and decision-making realms, providing platforms for advocacy, networking, and mentorship. Social media platforms, online communities, and virtual events enable women to connect, collaborate, and advocate for change on issues affecting them. 

Programs like Women Who Code and Girls Who Code provide coding classes and networking opportunities to support women and girls in pursuing careers in technology, while initiatives like the AnitaB.org Grace Hopper Celebration promote women's participation and leadership in STEM fields.

Investing in women through technology holds immense potential to accelerate progress and advance gender equality. By leveraging technology to broaden access to education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership opportunities, we can forge a more inclusive and equitable society where women thrive and realise their potential. 

While significant strides have been made to empower women through technology, the journey towards achieving gender equality is far from complete, and there is still a substantial amount of ground to be covered. It is imperative that we prioritise investments in technology infrastructure, digital skills training, and innovative solutions to empower women and girls, in an increasingly digital world.