Sansad TV Perspective: Empowering Women Digitally

In the series Sansad TV Perspective, we bring you an analysis of the discussion featured on the insightful programme ‘Perspective’ on Sansad TV, on various important topics affecting India and also the world. This analysis will help you immensely for the IAS exam, especially the mains exam, where a well-rounded understanding of topics is a prerequisite for writing answers that fetch good marks.

In this article, we feature the discussion on the topic: ‘Empowering Women Digitally’

Anchor: Teena Jha

Participants:

1. Dr. Surabhi Pandey, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Delhi.
2. Sonal Jaitly, Senior Manager-Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Practice at MicroSave.
3. Priyanka Wadhwa, Co-founder, CommsCredible.

Context: International Women’s day is celebrated annually on March 08.

Highlights of the Discussion:

1. Introduction
2. Significance of Gender Equality in the Workplace
3. Gender Disparity in Digital World
4. Impact of Technology on Women
5. Way Forward

Introduction:

• International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
• It also celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in all aspects of life.
• International Women’s Day 2023 was celebrated under the theme: ‘DigitALL – Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’. 
• The aim is to recognize and celebrate the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education and also explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities.

Significance of Gender Equality in the Workplace:

• Gender equality in the workplace is essential for promoting fairness, diversity, and inclusivity. 
• A workplace that values gender equality is more likely to attract and retain top talent, particularly women. This can lead to a diverse and skilled workforce, which can benefit the company’s productivity and innovation.
• Gender equality can foster a more positive and supportive work environment, which can increase employee morale and satisfaction. This, in turn, can lead to improved productivity and lower turnover rates.
• In many countries, promoting gender equality is a legal requirement. Failing to comply with these obligations can result in legal and financial consequences. Additionally, many companies recognize the ethical obligation to promote gender equality and social justice.
• Studies have shown that companies with more gender diversity tend to be more profitable. This is because diverse perspectives and experiences can lead to better decision-making, problem-solving, and innovation.
• A workplace that values gender equality can help promote social change by setting an example for other organizations and influencing attitudes and behaviours in the wider community.

Also read: Women in STEM

Gender Disparity in Digital World:

• Gender disparity in the digital world is a significant issue that has been highlighted in recent years. Women are often underrepresented in the technology industry, and there are a number of factors that contribute to this disparity.
• The lack of representation of women in the technology industry exacerbates the digital gender gap. Women who do enter the industry may face discrimination or be subjected to bias due to their gender, which can discourage others from pursuing careers in the field.
• Additionally, the education system often fails to encourage young girls to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, which can result in fewer women entering the technology industry.
• Another factor is the existence of a “bro culture” within the industry, which can be unwelcoming and exclusionary for women. This culture can be perpetuated through hiring practices, socialization within the workplace, and the prevalence of gender stereotypes.
• One of the main reasons for the digital gender gap in India is the lack of access to technology among women, particularly in rural areas. Women in these areas often have limited access to smartphones, computers, and the internet, which makes it difficult for them to take advantage of digital opportunities.
• In addition, cultural norms and gender stereotypes can also play a role in perpetuating the digital gender gap in India. Women are often expected to prioritize their domestic duties over pursuing education or career opportunities, which can limit their access to digital technologies and training.

Impact of Technology on Women:

• Technology has provided women with greater access to information, including educational resources, news and current events, and job opportunities. With the rise of online learning platforms, women can now access quality education from anywhere in the world, which was not possible before.
• Technology has made it possible for women to work remotely, giving them greater flexibility to balance work and family responsibilities. This has opened up new career opportunities for women who may not have been able to work in traditional office environments due to their family responsibilities.
• Technology has also empowered women to start their own businesses, providing them with tools and resources to launch and grow their businesses. With the rise of e-commerce platforms, social media, and digital marketing tools, women can now reach a global audience and grow their businesses from anywhere in the world.
• Technology has made it easier for women to network and connect with other women in their fields. With the rise of social media platforms, online communities, and professional networking sites, women can now connect with like-minded individuals and mentors, building valuable relationships and expanding their professional networks.
• Overall, technology has opened up new opportunities for women and empowered them to think big and pursue their dreams. It has helped to break down barriers and create more inclusive and diverse environments where women can thrive.

Way Forward: For Greater Gender Inclusivity

• Governments and private organizations need to work together to provide digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, smartphones, and computers, to women, particularly those in rural areas. This will enable them to access information and opportunities online.
• Digital literacy programs can provide women with the skills and knowledge necessary to use digital technologies effectively. These programs can be delivered through schools, community centres, and other public spaces.
• Governments and tech companies need to take steps to address gender-based violence and online harassment. This can include implementing stronger laws and policies to protect women from online harassment and providing support services for victims.
• Efforts to promote greater representation of women in the technology industry can help to break down gender stereotypes and create more inclusive workplaces. This can include providing mentorship and training opportunities for women in tech and addressing bias and discrimination in hiring and promotion processes.
• We need to create more inclusive and diverse online communities that support and empower women. This can include creating safe spaces for women to connect and share information, promoting women’s voices and perspectives, and ensuring that online platforms are designed with women’s needs in mind.

Read more on Digital India and Financial Inclusion

Read all the previous Sansad TV Perspective articles in the link.

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