Bridging divides, dismantling power structures!

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) wants to work towards strong and just societies worldwide. To overcome structural and systemic causes contributing to inequality in this context, the Strategy for a Feminist Development Policy was developed. Thereby, the BMZ is particularly committed to a gender-responsive digital transformation, closing the gender digital divide, and enabling digital spaces that are accessible, secure, and inclusive for all. In relation to that, supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) betterplace lab has edited a research publication called ‘Bridging Divides, Dismantling Power Structures!’ Linking Feminist Development Policy and Digital Transformation to be published in the Fall of 2023, together with experts in the fields of feminist digital transformation and justice.

The study presents the challenges, needs, and potentials in these areas and provides an outlook on the areas of access, use, and design of digital technologies. In recommendations for action, the study explains how a "3Rs approach" can strengthen and promote the rights, resources, and representation of women and girls in all their diversity and marginalized groups in the context of digitalization.

Experts and representatives of various civil society organizations from the Majority World added valuable perspectives and knowledge through interviews and roundtable discussions, with the aim of this study reflecting the actual needs of women and girls in all their diversity and marginalized groups. In addition, guest authors from various countries contributed articles on the digital economy, tech governance, data, decolonization, climate justice, and movement building and strengthening.

Status quo: development and use of digital technologies

Looking at the gender ratio in Internet use, there is a persistent gap in favor of men. Women and girls are more commonly exposed to tech-facilitated gender-based violence. Only 29% of STEM workers are women, who in turn face further barriers in STEM professions, such as lower wages or discrimination in the workplace. Digital technologies can also reinforce negative developments by reproducing patriarchal gender relations and oppressive structures. At the same time, however, the digital transformation also holds enormous opportunities for more social participation of women and girls in all their diversity and marginalized groups, as well as a substantial transformation of social relations. Every day, women and girls use digital technologies to overcome economic, political, and social barriers to mobility and participation and take control of their own lives and futures.

Fundamental changes are necessary

In overcoming inequality inherent in digital transformation, holistic approaches are needed in which concrete efforts are made by all key actors, including governments and policymakers, academia, large technology companies, the private sector, civil society, and especially women in all their diversity and marginalized groups. Long-term de-bureaucratization of funding and programming is essential, must be sensitive to the needs of underrepresented groups, and focus on supporting intersectional and feminist initiatives working for digital justice and bridging the digital gender gap. Importantly, the development and use of technologies must be done to serve the common good, including the needs and rights of women and girls in all their diversity and marginalized groups. Access to lifelong education, including STEM fields, needs to be ensured. Commitment to enabling equal opportunities, freedom, and safety in making career choices, including the pursuit of careers in STEM fields must be the goal. Eliminating the gender pay gap in STEM fields and the ICT sector is imperative.

Concrete recommendations for action - rights, resources, and representation

Inspired by the 3Rs approach, this study puts forward concrete recommendations for action regarding digital rights, resources, and representation. These action points relate to the urgent need for new policies, regulations, and support programs in securing access to digital infrastructures and digital skills building, as well as access to education and vocational training, especially for those in precarious socioeconomic circumstances. The study further highlights action steps for ensuring equal participation of women and marginalized groups in using and shaping digital technologies, such as the necessity for programs to be developed in collaboration with local experts and community knowledge holders.

Finally, structural change is needed at the level of organizations and institutions as a way to enable radical diversity and inclusion, rather than continuing to place the responsibility for initiating change on women, girls, and marginalized communities as a whole.

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