Stronger together: Why we created a global network of women digital leaders
By Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General
When I first joined the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) more than 30 years ago, seeing women in senior decision-making roles across the technology and telecommunications sectors was rare.
I remember many meetings where I was the only woman at the table.
Today, a lot has changed — but not nearly enough.
In 2025, only 21 per cent of information and communication technology (ICT) ministers and regulators are women.
A recent analysis of nearly 1.6 million artificial intelligence (AI) professionals found that women hold less than 14 per cent of senior executive roles.
Such disparities prevent digital transformation from fully delivering on its promise, because half of the global population is not represented in spaces where consequential decisions are made.
That’s why ITU launched the Network of Women Ministers and Leaders in ICT as part of our commitment to create more opportunities for women to shape our shared digital future.
Why this network, why now?
This network was born out of a simple but urgent idea: to close the gender digital divide, we must close the leadership gap.
As digital permeates more aspects of our lives, it is important to understand whose values, priorities, and lived experiences are reflected in the technologies we have come to depend on to communicate, learn, and earn a living.
But today, only a fraction of national digital policies, AI strategies, or connectivity frameworks are developed or implemented by women.
That imbalance limits both opportunity and impact.
Women bring unique insights to the table, especially when it comes to inclusive policy design, ethical tech deployment, and community-centred innovation.
But when women are absent from digital decision-making, so are their perspectives and priorities.
That is the “why” behind the ITU Network of Women Ministers and Leaders in ICT: a dedicated platform to elevate women’s voices, to exchange experiences on digital policymaking, and to encourage decision-makers to collaborate across borders, sectors, and generations.
Gathering strength
On 9 July, members of our global network gathered in a packed room during the WSIS+20 High-Level Event and AI for Good Global Summit.
The energy was electric and hopeful as we heard from extraordinary women, especially young leaders, who are driving digital transformation all over the world.
Their message was clear: we are stronger when we work together.
At the ITU Network of Women Ministers and Leaders in ICT breakfast meeting, over 180 ministers, regulators, ambassadors, tech leaders, youth champions, and partners came together to share ideas, exchange experiences, and commit to action.
I heard many stories of how mentorship, policy alignment, and intergenerational dialogue can accelerate progress when nurtured in the right environment.
More importantly, I saw the will to leverage the power of our network to do more. I was especially thrilled to see Ministers and leaders expressing their interest in joining and shaping this growing community focused on systemic change.
What’s next?
Our plan is to expand the network into a more structured community, focused on fostering regional and international cooperation, hosting strategic leadership dialogues and capacity-building sessions, supporting evidence-based advocacy, and enabling peer learning and mentoring exchanges.
We also plan to leverage this network to strengthen ITU’s broader work on creating digital opportunities for women and girls, including through initiatives like Girls in ICT, EQUALS, and the ITU160 Gender Champions.
As we celebrate ITU’s 160th anniversary, we’re spotlighting how digital transformation can empower women and girls. There’s no better moment to bridge the leadership gap and ensure technology works for all.
A personal commitment
For me, this work is personal.
As Secretary-General of the UN agency for digital technologies, I know how much leadership matters.
I also know what it feels like to be the only woman in the room.
The network puts us in a better a position for change, but not through inspiration alone.
Transformational change requires investment, commitment, and inclusive systems that women can see themselves benefiting from, and leading.
All of us — women and men — have a role to play.
You can start by joining the Network of Women Ministers and Leaders in ICT today, as a mentor, supporting partner, or aspiring digital leader.
Together, we are in a stronger position to leave no one behind as we build our shared digital future — one where technology serves as a bridge, not a barrier to equal opportunity for all.
To learn more about the Network of Women Ministers and Leaders in ICT, write to: nowleaders@itu.int
Insights from network sponsors
“CIRA was proud to sponsor the second Network of Women Ministers and Leaders in ICT breakfast alongside the WSIS+20 High-Level Event and AI for Good Summit in Geneva. During this pivotal moment for the future of internet governance, it’s more important than ever to foster robust and inclusive multistakeholder engagement.”
— Dr. Charles Noir, Vice-President, Community Investment Policy & Advocacy, Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)
“We at the General Women’s Union are proud of our strategic partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, which reflects the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to digitally empowering women and girls and enhancing their role in leading a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
— H.E. Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General, General Women’s Union, United Arab Emirates
“Supporting networks of women in tech isn’t just about equity – it’s about impact. These communities amplify talent, foster mentorship, and create the conditions for more inclusive innovation. When we invest in women’s networks, we build stronger digital ecosystems for everyone.”
— Yolanda Martínez, Practice Manager, Digital, Latin America & Caribbean, World Bank
“What I value most about these programmes is their multiplier effect. When we equip women with digital skills, we don’t just empower individuals; we strengthen families, uplift communities, and drive progress toward the common good.”
— Cristina Cárdenas, Manager of Government Affairs, Coursera
ITU extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors of the Network of Women Ministers and Leaders in ICT for their invaluable support.
Image credits: ©ITU/Daniel Woldu and Pierre Albouy
