Gender, Digital Transformation, and Artificial Intelligence

A project for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Gender bias and stereotypes hinder the participation of women as users, learners and developers of digital technology. Digitalisation has accelerated, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic; however, not everyone is benefiting equally from the opportunities that 4IR is creating.

Women and girls are less likely to have access to digital technologies, and they are under-represented in technology fields, as students, academic staff and entrepreneurs. This gap is even more pronounced in the field of artificial intelligence.

Based on a review of more than 150 initiatives across 5 geographical regions, this background paper, developed by IfM Engage for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), offered recommendations on the priorities and entry points to advance gender equality and female empowerment in the digital transformation.