A woman dancing on the street during the ROOTS festival in Banjul, The  Gambia
Photo Credit: Pepite Voyage/iStock/Getty Images

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme, “DigitALL – Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” focuses on how technology can be used to promote gender equality and empower women and girls.

One of the key aspects of this theme is mitigating online violence against women and girls. The internet and social media platforms have provided new opportunities for women to connect, share information, and access resources. However, these platforms have also become a breeding ground for hate speech, harassment, and violence against women.

To mitigate online violence, it is important to raise awareness of the issue and provide support for victims. This includes creating safe spaces for women to report abuse and harassment, as well as implementing policies and technologies that can help to identify and prevent such behavior. Additionally, it is important to educate women and girls about their rights and how to protect themselves online.

Another important aspect of the “DigitALL” theme is bridging the gap in digital skills for women and girls. Women and girls are often at a disadvantage when it comes to access to technology and digital tools, which can limit their opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

To bridge this gap, it is essential to provide training and resources for women and girls to develop their digital skills. This includes providing access to computers and the internet, as well as training programs that teach basic computer skills, coding, and other technical skills. Additionally, it is important to create mentorship and networking opportunities for women in technology to connect and support one another.

Furthermore, increasing access to technology and digital tools for women and girls is crucial for achieving gender equality. This includes providing access to smartphones and the internet, as well as digital tools and applications that can help women and girls in their daily lives. For example, digital tools for financial management, health, and education can help women and girls to improve their economic status and access to resources.