Broader consequences of digitalisation

While earlier sections of Chapter 9 discussed digitalisation primarily in the context of work, knowledge and skills, some technological trends have broader implications for gender equality. The availability of high computing power and broadband connections and the emergence of big data, cloud computing, robotics, AI algorithms and other digital trends have transformative potential for healthcare systems, public transport and other public services, new generations of products and services, a more sustainable and eco-friendly economy, and better informed public policies.

However, largely positive discussions about the impact of digital technologies often lack assessments of their broader social, economic and political implications, especially from a gender perspective.

This section aims to close that gap by discussing three broad trends in digitalisation that may have significant consequences for gender equality: (1) the ever-increasing use of AI algorithms, (2) ways in which digital technologies may enable violence against women in the context of work and (3) the potential of digital technologies to transform the world of care.