BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin participated in a fireside chat during the launch of GSMA's 2021 Mobile Gender Gap report.
She praised GSMA for undertaking this annual research initiative, that plays a critical role in gathering data on and assessing women's access to digital connectivity.
With regards to understanding the state of connectivity for women worldwide, Ms Bogdan-Martin stated that ''Data are absolutely essential to paint a picture of where we are, which direction we are headed in, and whether that's the right direction or not.'' She noted that the 2021 Mobile Gender Gap report highlights digital skills and literacy, and affordability as key areas to address the gender digital divide.
ITU works with GSMA and other partners through initiatives such as the EQUALS Global Partnership, to provide girls with digital skills training for them to meaningfully connect and tap into the world of opportunities that the internet can offer.
Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized the need for collaborative partnerships to scale impact, and bring the strength of each actor to fast-track the closure of the gender digital divide.
Watch the BDT Director's full remarks here.
