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, might reach $1.5 trillion by 2025,” Guterres said 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.
“It is essential to reduce the digital divide and increase the representation of women and girls in the field of science and technology”, he insisted, citing “enormous obstacles” that women face. face.
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 for the benefit of women, girls, men and boys everywhere.
With MAP
