Bridging the Digital Divide: Gender Equity, Digital Rights, and Socioeconomic Empowerment through Inclusive Technology
Bridging the Digital Divide: Gender Equity, Digital Rights, and Socioeconomic Empowerment through Inclusive Technology Executive Summary Digital access is no longer optional—it is fundamental to economic opportunity, social inclusion, and human rights. However, the digital divide disproportionately affects women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized communities. Gender biases in AI, online safety risks, and socioeconomic barriers further deepen exclusion. This paper explores key challenges and solutions, emphasizing intersectionality, ethical AI governance, cybersecurity, and inclusive digital infrastructure. It includes case studies of successful interventions, policy recommendations, and a practical implementation roadmap for governments, civil society, and the private sector. Key Findings: • Women are 12% less likely than men to access the internet, rising to 32% in least developed countries (GSMA, 2023). • Algorithmic bias in AI systems reinforces workplace discrimination and...