This theme explores the double-edged sword of technological advancement, highlighting the potential for digital tools to enhance accessibility and efficiency, while also acknowledging the risks of reinforcing gender biases, exacerbating digital divides, and increasing cybersecurity threats. It underscores the need for inclusive digital policies that ensure equitable access and protect against online harassment.
Sub-themes
AI and Gender Bias
AI-driven technologies can perpetuate and amplify gender biases present in their training data, affecting job screening processes and social media algorithms.
- At work, this can limit women and men's employment opportunities and reinforce stereotypes.
- At work/in society, more women need to be represented to reduce the potential for bias in the technologies themselves.
- In society, it can skew public discourse against gender equality, e.g. when combined with disinformation.
Cybersecurity and Privacy
Women and marginalised genders face higher risks of online harassment and privacy breaches.
- At home, this can lead to safety concerns and psychological stress.
- In society, it may deter participation in online platforms and civic engagement.
Remote Work and Connectivity
Digital tools enable remote work, offering flexibility.
- At home, this may improve work-life balance, but may also blur boundaries between work and personal life, leading to burnout.
- At home, many women feel they have to be ‘always on’ for work and domestic life, in a way that men often don’t.
- In society, it changes the dynamics of workforce participation and urban-rural divides.
Digital Literacy and Access
The digital divide affects access to information, services, and opportunities.
- At home, lack of access can hinder educational and economic opportunities.
- At work, it can exacerbate gender disparities in career advancement.
E-Government Services
Digitization of public services can improve access but also exclude those without digital skills or access.
- In society, it influences how inclusive and accessible government services and information are to women and marginalised groups.
Access to accurate data
More access to more real-time data means that more decisions can be made based on evidence.
- At work, employers could/should be able to analyse their own employment practices more easily to address equality.
- In society, EIGE and other agencies will be expected to respond faster and more accurately than ever before.
