The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has indicated that the exclusion of women from the digital world has represented a shortfall of approximately $1,000 billion in the GDP of low- and middle-income countries.
“Over the past 10 years, the exclusion of women from the digital world has accounted for an estimated $1 trillion loss in GDP in low- and middle-income countries – a loss that, if left unchecked, could reach 1.5 trillion dollars by 2025”, Guterres stressed in a message marking the celebration of International Women’s Day.
He noted that women make up less than a third of those working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, noting that without sufficient representation of women in their development, new technologies may contain the seeds of discrimination from the outset.
“Bridging the digital divide and increasing the representation of women and girls in science and technology are essential,” he insisted, pointing out “huge obstacles” faced by women.
Hailing the achievements of women and girls from all walks of life and from all corners of the world, the UN chief called for accelerating women’s full participation and leadership.
« Investing in women benefits all people, communities and countries”he said, calling on governments, the private sector and civil society to work together to build a more inclusive, just and prosperous society for the benefit of the world’s women, girls, men and boys. entire.