Nicosia, Cyprus. Gender equality commissioner Josie Christodoulou said digital gender inclusion is not only about access to technology but about ensuring that women and girls have a real role in shaping the digital world. She made the remarks after taking part in a panel on digital gender inclusion.
Policy approach
Writing on her personal platform, Christodoulou said effective policymaking should begin by identifying the problem, examining the data and asking who is absent from the discussion.
“When designing policies, we must always start with questions such as ‘What is the problem? What does the data tell us? Who is absent from the discussion and decision-making?’” she said.
Inclusion in technology
Christodoulou said this approach is particularly important in technology, where the issue is not only whether women, girls and young people can use digital tools, but whether systems are designed to include them from the outset.
“As far as technology is concerned, the question is clear. Do we ask women, girls and young people to adapt to the systems, or do we change the systems themselves so that they leave no one behind?” she said.
She said digital inclusion goes beyond devices, platforms and technological tools and also concerns the place of women and girls in the digital environment, from design and innovation to leadership.
“Digital inclusion is not just about access to technology,” she said.
“It is about the equal participation of women and girls in the design, innovation and leadership of the digital world,” she added.
Wider equality efforts
The commissioner also referred to the government’s broader work on equality, saying efforts continue “systematically and strategically to promote gender equality in all areas”.
Her comments followed the Digital Gender Inclusion Panel, held as part of the European conference Skills for Digital Autonomy – Empowering a Resilient Society.