United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to urgently address gender inequality in technology by investing in digital skills and dismantling systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in the digital space.
Speaking on Saturday during World Telecommunication and Information Society Day—celebrated annually on May 17—Guterres emphasized the need to ensure that technological advances benefit everyone, especially women and girls.
“This year’s focus on gender equality in digital transformation is both timely and urgent,” Guterres said in a message on the UN’s official website.
He highlighted several ongoing challenges, including algorithms reinforcing outdated gender biases, rampant online abuse targeting women and lack of female representation in tech leadership roles.
“This injustice harms everyone. We cannot accept a digital future that excludes half of humanity,” he stated. “We must invest in digital education for all, promote women’s leadership in tech, and combat all forms of gender-based violence—both online and offline.”
Guterres also stressed the importance of global initiatives such as the UN’s Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact in closing the digital divide and advancing women’s rights in the tech space.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, women hold just 26% of jobs in the global tech industry, despite the digital economy being valued at over $5 trillion. Experts believe that bridging this gap could significantly boost global GDP and spur more inclusive innovation.
“When technology serves everyone, everyone wins,” Guterres concluded, calling for a unified effort by governments, businesses, and civil society to build a more equitable digital future.
