Over half the world are now using mobile internet. The digital revolution is changing all aspects of our lives, but 2.2 billion people below the age of 25 still do not have internet access at home, and girls are more likely to be cut off.
Today is International Day of the Girl, a day dedicated to amplifying girls’ voices and celebrating the progress we have made towards gender equality. But it is also a moment to recognise the challenges this generation of adolescent girls and young women face.
This year’s theme - digital generation, our generation - shines a spotlight on the gender digital divide, a term used to describe the disparity in digital access, literacy, skills between men and women, boys and girls. Lack of access and understanding of how best to use digital technologies and the mobile internet mean women and girls miss out on health, learning and earning opportunities. Added to which, their voices are not as loud online.
If we want to build an equal digital future for all, we must act now.
To mark Day of the Girl, we spoke with girls in five countries to hear their realities and recommendations for an equal digital future for all. On Monday 11th October we will be donating @girleffect channels to share their stories. For one day, we want to make sure their voices are heard.
