By Wadzanai Chihombori-Ndlovu
National Women’s Day in South Africa holds a dual significance, honoring the past struggles of women against apartheid’s injustices and highlighting the contemporary challenges of gender equality in the digital age.
Beyond remembering history, this day calls for a broader examination of the current issues women face in accessing the digital realm, the policies that can make a difference, and the potential of emerging technologies like AI to bridge the digital divide.
Stepping into the Digital World: Who’s Included?
As National Women’s Day draws our attention, the world has shifted to the digital stage. The internet, once considered a luxury, is now a necessity for education, employment, and civic participation. However, this convenience is not equally shared. Socio-economic barriers leave some women on the wrong side of the digital divide, unable to benefit fully from the opportunities online spaces offer. As we commemorate this day, it’s essential to extend the celebration by ensuring that every woman has a fair shot at the digital world.
Internet Equality: Breaking it Down
Unraveling internet inequality requires an intersectional lens. It acknowledges that gender alone doesn’t encapsulate the diverse challenges faced by women. LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and those from marginalized backgrounds encounter compounded barriers. These disparities underline the urgency of crafting policies that address the specific hurdles faced by these groups, ensuring that the digital empowerment envisioned is inclusive and far-reaching.
Empowerment through Inclusive Policies and Representation
Digital empowerment goes beyond connectivity—it hinges on policies that foster inclusivity and safe online spaces. Friendly internet policies ensure that women can navigate the digital realm without fear of harassment or discrimination. However, meaningful change demands not just policies, but also representation. Empowering women extends to ensuring their active participation in shaping these policies. Women’s insights and experiences are essential to crafting rules that genuinely serve all members of society.
From Access to Influence: Women in Decision-Making
Incorporating women in decision-making processes is a cornerstone of gender equality. It’s not just about internet access; it’s about giving women a say in the policies that govern the digital world. When women’s perspectives are woven into the fabric of technology and internet governance, it results in solutions that better address their needs. National Women’s Day must emphasize not just access, but also influence—a space for women to voice their concerns, shape policies, and effect meaningful change.
AI’s Potential in Bridging the Divide
As we navigate the digital landscape, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges. AI has the potential to play a transformative role in bridging the digital gap. Tailored education platforms can provide personalized learning experiences, adapting to individual needs and addressing the varied challenges women face in accessing education. AI-driven tools can facilitate skill development, ensuring that women from all backgrounds have the resources to thrive in the digital era.
AI: Catalyst for Digital Empowerment
AI’s potential goes beyond education. It can bolster women’s economic prospects by connecting them to relevant job opportunities, especially in remote or underserved areas. Additionally, AI-driven tools can help bridge language barriers, ensuring that women who speak marginalized languages can access information and participate in online discussions. By harnessing AI’s capabilities, we can take meaningful steps toward dismantling the digital barriers that women face.
The Call to Action
As we celebrate National Women’s Day, we must recognize that the struggle for equality extends into the digital age. Beyond commemorating history, this day compels us to confront the digital divide and its associated inequalities. Internet-friendly policies, shaped by women’s voices, are a vital aspect of fostering a safe and empowering digital environment. The potential of AI offers hope in bridging gaps, amplifying voices, and unlocking new avenues for women’s socio-economic empowerment.
Women’s Day embodies the legacy of resilience, strength, and progress. Beyond the historical context, this day serves as a reminder that gender equality is an ongoing journey. Ensuring that all women, regardless of their background, can participate in the digital world is a critical step in achieving this goal. Through inclusive policies, women’s representation, and the potential of AI, we can transform the digital divide into a bridge of empowerment. As South Africa and the world move forward, the promise of a more equitable digital future remains within our grasp.t benefits not only individual women but the nation as a whole.
Wadzanai Chihombori-Ndlovu is the
Monitoring and Reporting Officer
Gender Standing Group
Internet Society Global
S. A National Focal Person
SENDiWSA
