FROM DISPARITY TO DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

As the world races towards a digital future, a critical gap is emerging: In many parts of the continent, women and girls remain on the margins of digital revolution, hindered by a lack of access to technology, education, and opportunities.

Recognizing this urgent issue, ImpactHER authored an insightful survey policy paper co-published by African Union CIEFFA titled "Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Women & Girls in Africa through Digital Literacy and AI Education," to spotlight this issue and present actionable solutions to close the gap.

Key findings from the survey of over 4,000 survey respondents across 52 African countries reveal:

• A stark urban-rural divide: 56% of respondents were from rural areas, where digital access is significantly limited.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) gap: Only 14% of respondents have some AI skills, and a remarkable 79% expressed deep interest to acquire AI skills.

• Limited device ownership: 34.7% of respondents do not own any digital device.

• Lack of digital skills: 60% have never received digital skills training.

These disparities have profound implications. The digital divide exacerbates economic exclusion, stifles innovation, and hinders Africa’s global competitiveness. With intervention, the continent risks falling behind in the rapidly advancing digital economy.

The policy paper emphasizes:

• The urgent need for targeted interventions, especially in rural areas

• The importance of AI and integrating AI education into the curriculum for girls and women, ensuring that they are not just consumers of technology, but also creators and innovators.

The goal is to seize the transformative potential of AI to drive innovation, promote efficiency, and inclusive economic growth across Africa.

"Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Women & Girls in Africa through Digital Literacy and AI Education," is more than a policy paper; it is a call to action, demanding an inclusive and equitable digital revolution that empowers every every woman and girl in Africa, both in the rural and urban areas, to participate, innovate, and lead in the digital world.

By implementing the recommended initiatives, stakeholders can create a future where technology drives not only personal success for women and girls but also contributes to Africa’s socio-economic development. We must act expeditiously to bridge this digital divide and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Keywords: Digital Empowerment, Digital Literacy, AI Education, Bridging the Digital Divide, Women and Girls in Africa, ImpactHER, Digital Access, Technology Access, Gender-Based Discrimination, Digital Skills Training, Internet Inaccessibility, Rural Digital Inclusion, Digital Inclusivity, Socio-Economic Development

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Summary

The policy paper, "Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Women & Girls in Africa through Digital Literacy and AI Education," addresses the disparity in digital skills among women and girls in Africa. This urgent issue is particularly acute in rural areas, where 56% of respondents reside. The study, based on a survey of 4,000+ participants across 52 countries, highlights existing gaps in digital access, ownership of digital devices, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge and digital skills training, with a staggering 60% never having received any formal training. The paper identifies socio-economic, educational, and infrastructural barriers, as well as gender-based discrimination, and outlines strategic recommendations, including AI curriculum development, expanded internet access, and stakeholder partnerships. These initiatives aim to empower African women and girls, ensuring their inclusion in the digital revolution and boosting the continent’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.