Digital Inclusion Initiatives

As GenAI becomes more ubiquitous, research alarmingly shows that women are using these tools at lower rates than men across nearly all regions, sectors, and occupations.   A recent paper from researchers at Harvard Business School, Berkeley, and Stanford synthesizes data from 18 studies covering more than 140k individuals worldwide.   Their findings:   • Women are approximately 22% less likely than men to use GenAI tools • Even when controlling for occupation, age, field of study, and location, the gender gap remains • Web traffic analysis shows women represent only 42% of ChatGPT users and 31% of Claude users   Factors Contributing the to Gap:   - Lack of AI Literacy: Multiple studies showed women reporting significantly lower familiarity with and knowledge about generative AI tools as the largest gender gap driver. - Lack of Training & Confidence: Women have lower confidence in their ability to effectively use AI tools and more likely to report needing training before they can benefit from generative AI.   - Ethical Concerns & Fears of Judgement: Women are more likely to perceive AI usage as unethical or equivalent to cheating, particularly in educational or assignment contexts. They’re also more concerned about being judged unfairly for using these tools.   The Potential Impacts: - Widening Pay & Opportunity Gap: Considerably lower AI adoption by women creates further risk of them falling behind their male counterparts, ultimately widening the gender gap in pay and job opportunities. - Self-Reinforcing Bias: AI systems trained primarily on male-generated data may evolve to serve women's needs poorly, creating a feedback loop that widens existing gender disparities in technology development and adoption.   As educators and AI literacy advocates, we face an urgent responsibility to close this gap and simply improving access is not enough. We need targeted AI literacy training programs, organizations committed to developing more ethical GenAI, and safe and supportive communities like our Women in AI + Education to help bridge this expanding digital divide.   Link to the full study in the comments. And a link also to learn more or join our Women in AI + Education Community. AI for Education #Equity #GenAI #Ailiteracy #womeninAI

📊 **Gender Gaps Are Narrowing In Education, But Is This Enough For Digital India?** As I examined in my recent article, India has made remarkable progress in achieving gender parity in education enrollment across all levels - primary, secondary, and higher education. This progress earned us first rank in primary and tertiary education globally in the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gaps subindices ranking. But looking beyond enrollment numbers, concerning trends emerge: • The ASER 2024 report shows while 51% of girls in class V can read standard II level text (vs 47% of boys), only 29% of girls can do division (vs 32% of boys) • There's a significant gender gap in smartphone ownership - 36% of boys own personal smartphones compared to just 26% of girls • Between 2020-2023, Nikore Associates consultations across 15 states revealed young girls were often last to access shared household smartphones, for the least time, with most monitoring • Only 74% of private schools and 46% of government schools have internet facilities (Ministry of Education) • While women make up nearly half of STEM graduates, men continue to dominate engineering, technology, computer sciences, and management - the streams with highest growth potential With the WEF's Future of Jobs Report 2025 indicating 86% of businesses expect AI, robotics and automation to transform their companies, closing this digital divide is crucial. I propose three key solutions: 1️⃣ A mass digital literacy program for girls - a "Beti Padhao, Beti ko Phone Dilao" initiative 2️⃣ Improved technology readiness in schools through public-private partnerships 3️⃣ Celebrating women in STEM as role models For truly harnessing women-led development in a digital economy, India's girls need to be empowered in digital spaces. Today, literacy doesn't just mean being able to read and write, but to read, write, and surf. See the full article on Outlook Publishing (India) Pvt. Ltd. here: https://lnkd.in/gdcxrZR5 #GenderEquality #DigitalInclusion #WomenInSTEM #Education #India #GenderDigitalDivide #DigitalIndia #DigitalEconomy #Education #GenderGaps Nikore Associates

Is it fair that in India, more than half of the women don’t have exclusive access to a mobile phone? Shocking, right? Yes, you heard it right. While mobile phones have become an essential tool for communication, education, and work, 52% of Indian women can only use a shared phone, and 21% don’t use one at all. Why is that? Even in 2023, when the world is more connected than ever, women still face barriers to accessing basic technology. Many families prioritize giving phones to men, considering it a “necessity” for them, while treating it as a “luxury” for women. It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? But this isn’t just about phones. It’s about independence, privacy, and opportunity. Without exclusive access, women can’t freely explore educational content, apply for jobs, or even make private calls without judgment. The gap is clear: 48% of men have their own phones compared to just 27% of women. Why does this matter? Because a mobile phone isn’t just a device—it’s a lifeline. It’s the key to staying informed, building careers, and accessing critical services. And when women are left out of the digital world, they’re left out of opportunities. So, how do we fix this? We need to make digital access a priority for women. This means: ✅ Affordable devices and data plans for women. ✅ Programs that address societal norms and encourage families to empower their daughters. ✅ Digital literacy initiatives to ensure women can fully utilize these tools. Because until everyone is connected, we can’t claim to be truly equal. What do you think? How can we make sure women get equal access to technology? LinkedIn News India LinkedIn Guide to Creating #digitaldivide #empowerwomen #genderequality #technologyforall Source: Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey, NSSO 2022-23 (via dataforindia)

Hidden link between gender inequality and accessibility Becoming a mother changed the way I look at technology and equality. I started to notice how many tools - from health apps to learning platforms - were not built with women, or with parents, in mind. Later, as I became a web accessibility expert, I understood something even bigger: gender inequality and accessibility are deeply connected. Let's take a look what research shows about this subject: 1️⃣Voice technologies don’t hear women equally Scientific studies show that voice recognition systems perform worse for female voices because most training datasets are dominated by male voices. ▷ Example: A 2023 study (No Pitch Left Behind) found that improving pitch representation reduced recognition errors for women’s voices by almost 10% (the link: https://lnkd.in/emJNZYRq) ▷ Now imagine relying on speech recognition as your main way of interacting with technology and discovering it just doesn’t “hear” you as well. For women with disabilities, this gap is more than an inconvenience: it’s an exclusion. 2️⃣Women with disabilities face double barriers UNICEF’s 2022 report shows that girls with disabilities are less likely to access digital devices or inclusive platforms compared both to boys with disabilities and to girls without disabilities. ▷ Another recent review of 66 studies on assistive tech highlighted that women often experience worse outcomes because their contexts — like caregiving, mobility patterns, or communication needs — are rarely considered in design (the link: https://lnkd.in/eZfrp-kt) ▷ This means accessibility that ignores gender risks leaving behind those who already face the highest barriers. 3️⃣Assistive technology & outcomes for women are often worse A scoping review in 2025 of 66 studies on assistive technology (AT) found that gender bias in design often leads to worse outcomes for women. Women’s specific caregiving roles, usability needs, and contexts are less considered. For example, disabled mothers’ needs were often neglected (the link: https://lnkd.in/eC4_2p3p) ▷ Also, inaccessible built environments and digital environments compound the problem for women. The report shows that gender matters not just in use, but in how well assistive tech works for different people. Accessibility isn’t only about following guidelines. It’s about asking: who gets left out when we design by default? As experts, designers, and leaders, we need to: · test products with diverse voices and genders, · co-create solutions with women with disabilities, · and bring more women into accessibility leadership to reduce blind spots. Because when technology excludes women, the whole idea of accessibility falls apart. #Accessibility #Inclusion #GenderEquality #WomenInTech #AssistiveTechnology #DigitalInclusion

Some of my most meaningful learning happens far away from structured reviews and strategy discussions- on field visits, sitting with women in rural Central India, listening to stories that don’t make it to dashboards. Over time, one thing has become very clear to me: aspiration does not belong to geography. It is universal. When I sit with women in villages across regions like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, I don’t see a gap in ambition, I see a gap in access. The intent to learn, to grow, to secure a better future for their children is just as strong, if not stronger. But the reality is stark. As per national surveys, less than 30% of women in rural India have access to the internet, and an even smaller percentage actively use it for learning or financial transactions. Financial literacy levels remain low, with many women still dependent on informal guidance for critical financial decisions. Yet, when given even a small window of opportunity, the uptake is immediate and inspiring. I remember meeting a Didi in a remote village in Chhattisgarh. She had recently been introduced to basic digital tools and financial concepts through our intervention. What stood out was not just her curiosity, but her clarity, she wanted to understand how to save better, avoid debt traps, and ensure her children stayed in school. There was no hesitation in her willingness to learn, only a lack of earlier exposure. Moments like these make our work feel both urgent and deeply personal. In many of our interventions under HDFC Bank Parivartan , digital learning and financial literacy are not standalone components, they cut across everything we do. Because when a woman understands her finances or gains access to digital platforms, the impact goes beyond her. It reflects in household decisions, children’s education, and the overall resilience of the community. Field experiences like these constantly push me to think deeper, are we designing with enough empathy? Are we simplifying enough? Are we reaching those who are still invisible? There are no easy answers. But there is a clear direction. And it begins with listening. #HDFCBankParivartan #CSR #WomenEmpowerment #RuralIndia #FinancialInclusion #DigitalLiteracy #GrassrootsImpact #InclusiveDevelopment #FieldReflections Sharukh R. Taraporewala | Prashant Burman | Richa Naula | Sunita Verma | Mrityunjay Kumar | Vikas Kumar Gupta

Great data alert! Our partners at University of Oxford and collaborators have mapped subnational #gendergaps in internet and mobile adoption across 117 low- and middle-income countries. The global findings are striking—if not surprising: 📊 Women are 19% less likely to use the internet and 8% less likely to own a mobile phone. That’s 320 million fewer women online than men. And the authors remind us that even at the national level, the picture remains stark:📱For example, according to GSMA Foundation’s 2025 Mobile Gender Gap Report, 35% of adult Nigerian women use mobile internet. But it is when you get to double-click into the subnational data that “digital divides” start to look like chasms.📍In Nigeria, 55% of women in Lagos have accessed the internet—compared with just 1% in Kebbi State. In fact, across 40+ countries, the subnational variation in in female internet adoption exceeds 30 percentage points. The main takeaway: For those who could benefit most, live-saving and live-changing digital tools are even farther out of reach than most datasets suggest—a critical insight if we truly aspire to a digitally inclusive and equal future. 📖 Read the full #PNASJournal article: https://lnkd.in/eQKH2VCD 🔍 Explore the data: digitalgendergaps.org CC: Ridhi Kashyap Sharada Srinivasan Diva Dhar Joshua Blumenstock Caryl Feldacker, PhD, MPH Sumana Hussain #DigitalInclusion #GenderEquality #AIforGood #DigitalDivide #DataForDevelopment #Inclusion #TechForGood #DigitalTransformation #SustainableDevelopment #PNASJournal

My recent research, which examines the adoption of emerging technologies through a gender lens, illuminates continued disparities in women's experiences with Generative AI. Day after day we continue to hear about the ways GenAI will change how we work, the types of jobs that will be needed, and how it will enhance our productivity, but are these benefits equally accessible to everyone? My research suggests otherwise, particularly for women. 🕰️ The Time Crunch: Women, especially those juggling careers with care responsibilities, are facing a significant time deficit. Across the globe women spend up to twice as much time as men on care and household duties, resulting in women not having the luxury of time to upskill in GenAI technologies. This "second shift" at home is increasing an already wide divide. 💻 Tech Access Gap: Beyond time constraints, many women face limited access to the necessary technology to engage with GenAI effectively. This isn't just about owning a computer - it's about having consistent, uninterrupted access to high-speed internet and up-to-date hardware capable of running advanced AI tools. According to the GSMA, women in low- and middle-income countries are 20% less likely than men to own a smartphone and 49% less likely to use mobile internet. 🚀 Career Advancement Hurdles: The combination of time poverty and tech access limitations is creating a perfect storm. As GenAI skills become increasingly expected in the workplace, women risk falling further behind in career advancement opportunities and pay. This is especially an issue in tech-related fields and leadership positions. Women account for only about 25% of engineers working in AI, and less than 20% of speakers at AI conferences are women. 🔍 Applying a Gender Lens: By viewing this issue through a gender lens, we can see that the rapid advancement of GenAI threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities. It's not enough to create powerful AI tools; we must ensure equitable access and opportunity to leverage these tools. 📈 Moving Forward: To address this growing divide, we need targeted interventions: Flexible, asynchronous training programs that accommodate varied schedules Initiatives to improve tech access in underserved communities. Workplace policies that recognize and support employees with caregiving responsibilities. Mentorship programs specifically designed to support women in acquiring GenAI skills. There is great potential with GenAI, but also risk of leaving half our workforce behind. It's time for tech companies, employers, and policymakers to recognize and address these gender-specific barriers. Please share initiatives or ideas you have for making GenAI more inclusive and accessible for everyone. #GenderEquity #GenAI #WomenInTech #InclusiveAI #WorkplaceEquality

Technology is shaping our world – fast. But is it supporting girls to shape their futures? Right now, nearly 1 billion girls and women lack the skills needed to succeed in rapidly changing job markets, and 1 in 4 girls aged 15-19 is not in employment, education, or training, compared to 1 in 10 boys. In an increasingly digital world, this gap is not just a challenge – it’s an urgent call to action. Digital technology and AI are transforming how we live, learn, and work. With the right tools, skills, and opportunities, girls can unlock their bright potential – driving innovation, shaping solutions, and leading change in their communities. But access alone is not enough. Girls need role models, mentors, and safe, inclusive spaces to build confidence and envision themselves in STEM careers. Closing the gender digital divide – in connectivity, skills, and experiences – is key to ensuring girls are not left out of the global digital economy. At UNICEF, we are going #BeyondDigitalAsUsual, equipping girls with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital world. Through initiatives like Tinkering with Tech, we are working to close the gender gap and empower girls to go beyond being consumers of technology to becoming creators, innovators, and problem-solvers. Offering inclusive and supportive learning environments, this programme supports girls to safely explore digital tools and AI and design solutions that matter in their communities. Girls aren’t just the future – they are shaping it today. On International #GirlsInICT Day, we must work with them, learn from them, and support them in building a truly inclusive digital future. Learn more about Tinkering with Tech and UNICEF’s Digital Education Strategy: Tinkering with Tech 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dMUjbGPb UNICEF’s Digital Education Strategy 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eiiq2VZr #GirlsInICT #BeyondDigitalAsUsual #STEMforGirls #DigitalLearning 

If I was a C-level Executive at any of the big financial services firms (Goldman, JPMC, Fidelity, etc.), here's what I would do to attract the next generation of women as customers: The data is clear. With ✅ more women graduating from college than ever before, ✅ women inheriting $30 trillion in financial assets by 2030, ✅ but 73% of women being dissatisfied with their financial services, financial institutions have a huge opportunity - and quite frankly, responsibility - to engage Millennial and Gen Z women by addressing their unique financial needs and preferences. The problem: These companies are not speaking young women's language. Here's what needs to change: 1️⃣ Focus on community-based learning Young women prefer learning about investing alongside other like-minded women through online courses, cohort-based programs or memberships. Think Female Invest or Girls That Invest. These education media companies foster a sense of belonging and shared growth. First thing I'd do is activate those young personal finance thought leaders with meaningful audiences not only for influencer collabs but as (board) advisors. 2️⃣ Make it relatable Break down unnecessarily complex finance jargon and abbreviations into plain, relatable language. Make examples tangible and relevant to their personal and professional journeys. No more confusing terms—just clear, actionable advice. ETFs, expense ratios, target date funds—none of it is rocket science. But there's a need for relatable analogies and everyday language, so financial concepts become less intimidating and more engaging. 3️⃣ Avoid shaming Telling young women to stop buying lattes or beauty products won't resonate. Instead, teach them how to make their money work for them and increase their income over time. Focus on empowerment, not restriction. Highlight success stories of women who have taken control of their finances without sacrificing the things they love. Show how budgeting doesn't mean eliminating enjoyment but rather prioritizing spending in a way that aligns with their goals and values. 4️⃣ Upgrade your UI In today's digital age, aesthetics and user experience are paramount, especially for Millennials & Gen Z who are accustomed to intuitive + visually engaging platforms. Financial institutions must prioritize modernizing their interfaces to meet these expectations. A clunky or outdated user interface can deter young women from engaging with financial products and services. Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab—your UI needs an upgrade. Companies that do this well are: Alinea Invest, beatvest, Ellevest It's time for financial institutions to evolve, engage, and uplift—because the future of finance is female, and the next generation of women investors won't wait. --- P.S.: If this post resonated with you, follow me, Thamina Stoll, for more content that helps women in tech turn 6-figure salaries into 7-figure portfolios. + 👉Sign up for my free newsletter: [sheconomist.com]

Reimagining Reproductive Health: mHealth for Women in Bangladesh In a country where discussing reproductive health is still considered taboo, a quiet revolution is underway—powered by mobile phones. A recent study titled "Towards Women's Digital Health Equity: Adoption of Reproductive mHealth Services in Bangladesh" sheds light on how university-educated women are navigating reproductive health via mobile health (mHealth) platforms. What’s striking? Despite cultural barriers and digital inequities, young Bangladeshi women are already using mobile tools—especially for sensitive topics they hesitate to address in clinical settings. From period tracking apps to chat-based consultations, these platforms are viewed as discreet, empowering, and often more trustworthy than traditional options. Through in-depth interviews with women aged 21–31 across seven universities, the study found a strong behavioral intention to use mHealth services, driven by: -Positive attitudes toward the tech -Peer recommendations -Exposure through social media -A desire for privacy and autonomy The Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction helped the authors identify how these behavioral drivers intersect with cultural norms and digital fluency to shape health decisions. But the findings don’t stop at good news. Despite their potential, mHealth services in Bangladesh remain largely urban-centric, fragmented, and under-promoted. Barriers include: -Unequal access to digital infrastructure -Limited awareness campaigns -Trust issues related to data security -A lack of comprehensive sex education -Inadequate quality assurance mechanisms So, what needs to happen? Policymakers must take digital reproductive health seriously—not just as a tech trend, but as a vital part of the health equity puzzle. This means funding awareness campaigns, setting clear data privacy standards, supporting inclusive app design, and integrating mHealth into formal care systems. The study’s call to action is clear: Let’s harness what’s already working. Young women in Bangladesh are ready. They’re navigating stigma, sidestepping taboos, and reclaiming their health—one app at a time. It’s time the systems around them caught up. #DigitalHealth #WomensHealth #mHealth #HealthEquity #ReproductiveHealth #InnovationInHealth #GlobalHealth #Bangladesh #GenderEquity #PublicHealth #TechForGood #DigitalInclusion