Deconstruct negative stereotypes. Expand digital literacy. Foster strategic partnerships. Promote role models.

I was recently invited to speak at a United Nations #CSW66 Virtual Parallel Event, organized by the Justina Mutale Foundation, alongside some distinguished entrepreneurs, industry experts, leaders, policymakers and youngsters.

And, I absolutely enjoyed sharing my thoughts on the subject, “Empowering Women & Girls to Shape the Digital Future.” Here’s my submission:

Whilst a vast array of opportunities exists for girls and women in an increasingly digital world, they remain underrepresented in STEM disciplines and careers; for example, women make up just about one-third of the current global STEM workforce, or only 33% of girls worldwide enter STEM fields, but we know that STEM is often a precursor for a career in the digital sector.

From research and personal experience as a woman in STEM, there are several factors responsible for this gender gap, including:

· gender biases and stereotypes or social cultural norms

· the broken rung that limits women moving up the ladder

· workplace cultures, policies and practices that fail to support or attract women

· lack of role models to inspire women and girls to progress in their digital/STEM careers.

Yet, we can empower girls and women to play a more active, engaging, and meaningful role in the digital sector. In fact, we MUST do so, because the benefits are limitless. Beyond scaling innovation and creative solutions to address the world’s pressing challenges, we can deliver on most — if not all — the Sustainable Development Goals when we do.

Here are a few ways I think we can set women and girls up to shape an equitable, fair, and sustainable digital economy, for the benefit of all:

1. As individuals/organizations, we must break the biases and deconstruct every negative stereotype that exists. Challenging all forms of discrimination that limit the sector’s diversity and inclusion should be a priority as well.

2. We have to expand digital knowledge, quality education and both entrepreneurial & leadership skills; deliberating creating opportunities for internships, externships, traineeships and/or apprenticeships for girls and women, and funding institutions that scale digital literacy across the world. Beyond enabling access to digital content and tools, these would empower women and girls to be creators and makers of the technologies. The latter is what I would love to see happen the most.

3. We must continue to foster strategic partnerships, as well as coordinated and coherent policies that involve women and girls across various levels of participation

4. And lastly, we ought to promote morally upright, positive, and truly successful role models through multiple mediums including social media to the next generation to engage them in this economy.

Let’s get to work NOW, and together!