Science, technology and innovation (STI) is crucial to addressing sustainable development challenges in order to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. Digital technologies have the capacity to foster the levels of social and economic inclusion required to achieve SDG 1, poverty eradication. Given this, and the fact that women and girls continue to bear a disproportionate share of the poverty burden, improving the access to and use of digital technologies among women and girls is critical. During this year’s ECOSOC STI Forum, a high-level event took place focusing on ‘Women in Innovation and Connectivity: The Role of the Private Sector’.
There was a general consensus among speakers that reaching SDG 5 – gender equality and empowerment of all girls and women – was the key starting point in promoting women and girls in the field of science and technology. The importance of digital networks and knowledge sharing was also emphasised, as well as mentorship and inclusion.
Member States gave examples of good practice promoting women and girls in science and technology. In Hungary, the World Science Forum takes place every two years, where the relationship between women and science is central. In Australia, there are programmes that teach girls as young as five how to code and an ambassadorial position focusing specifically on women and girls. In Botswana there is an annual week-long celebration of science and technology, and in Canada there is a female Minister of Science.
Members from civil society presented recommendations to further enhance women and girls participation in science and technology. For example, more research on the disparity between female STEM students and female’s working in the field is necessary; investment in social entrepreneurs; and the need to capitalise on the open-mindedness of millennials.
These examples of good practice and recommendations are promising, however the challenge of access to STIs has not yet been fully addressed. Ms Astrid Hurley from UNDESA Division for Social Policy and Development emphasised that access is fundamental if digital technology is to be an enabler in the fighter against poverty. Accessibility is closely linked to SDG 5; equality and empowerment of women and girls means that they have equal access to STIs. Unless we address accessibility issues, the poverty gap and the gap in digital technology will widen. If this is not addressed, technology will continue to develop but people who are most in need will not have access.
Therefore, it is the case that digital innovation can be an enabler in the fight against poverty, but only if everyone, including women and girls, have access. With better access to STIs, education, entrepreneurial activities, health care, financial inclusion and much more will become available to people most in need. Without technological access, those who are currently left behind will only be left further behind as the rest of the world progresses.
To learn more about the Division’s work on poverty eradication click here.
Source: UNDESA DSPD