Leaving no one behind in digital delivery of public services

This is a Southern Voice Network  funded project that aims at exploring to what extent rapid digitalization limits the realization of economic and social rights of women, and how it does that. During this COVID- 19 era, all activities that required physical presence were put to a halt.

Governments around the world decreed quarantines and lockdown measures. Almost nobody, be it private firms, public entities, civil society organizations or educational institutions were either prepared to bring all activities online or had a plan on how to do so.

Rapid digitalization due to COVID-19 created both challenges and opportunities specially to historically marginalized groups. For them, the digital divide grows increasingly wide which also affects the long-term ability of governments to deliver services.

The subject of digital access has wide ranging implications for economic growth, governance, human rights and inequality. This is particularly the case for women, who have a more limited access to ICTs compared to men. These gender differences caused by social constructs around women, or logistical issues affect social welfare and economic growth.

This is why this study is interested in delving into the gender technological divide and will be focusing on identifying how rapid digitalization has generated both risks and opportunities for women. The methodology is designed to provide policy makers at the country and global level with possible inroads for interventions to enhance the positive impacts of technology especially on women.