Having actively participated in consultations, reviews, and processes related to WSIS+20 as members of the Gender in Digital Coalition, we are issuing this final statement about the final Resolution and the overall process. Let it serve as a vital call for all stakeholders to commit to implementing the agreements outlined in the final Resolution (A/RES/80/173).
Our initial review of the zero draft emphasised the critical need for gender mainstreaming within the WSIS+20 framework. Historically, the WSIS framework lacked a dedicated gender perspective. The only prior mention was restricted to the 'ICT for Development' section, specifically within subsections addressing the digital divide. This omission of a comprehensive gender perspective has hindered the equitable participation of all women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other structurally marginalised communities in shaping the global digital economy and the knowledge society that it rests upon.
We are slightly pleased to recognise that essential references to gender equality, empowerment, gender digital divides, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence were included since the document's initial draft. Our coalition acknowledges the progress made in integrating a gender perspective into the outcome document, emphasising the following points:
- Gender equality and empowerment are essential: gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, including their full, equal, safe, and meaningful participation in the digital space, are considered essential to close the gender digital divide and advance sustainable development.
- Commitment to empowerment and countering violence: There is a commitment to empower all women and girls, encourage their leadership, mainstream a gender perspective, and counter and eliminate all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, that occurs through or is amplified by the use of technology.
- Economic Agency: The document commits to catalysing women's economic agency by promoting equitable access to digital infrastructure and skills development, including financial technologies and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- Persistent gender digital divides: Deep concern is expressed over persistent gender digital divides, noting that according to the International Telecommunication Union:
- Only 71% of women use the Internet, compared with almost 77% of men.
- Women and girls are also underrepresented in education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, employment, entrepreneurship, and other areas of digital activity.
- Action line facilitators' role: Action line facilitators are called upon to address gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as a core theme in their work, with full involvement from the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and other stakeholders.
We celebrate the explicit language regarding gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, the commitment to addressing technology-amplified gender-based violence, as well as the intentions of gender mainstreaming across all action lines. These provisions mark a step of progression toward a holistic and rights-focused perspective on the digital realm.
To ensure these commitments are genuinely realised and not empty promises, it is a task for all stakeholders, including civil society, to follow closely the implementation of these beforementioned actions and commitments as well as demand, through the established mechanisms, reporting and accountability.
We regret that the analysis and suggestions presented in our initial submission for the drafting of the elements paper were omitted, and we insist on reiterating and formally naming them again:
Intersectional feminist approach to inclusive Information Society
Gender equality and the eradication of all gender digital divides is not possible without an intersectional approach. The WSIS framework must centre intersectional feminist analysis, recognising that digital exclusion is shaped by overlapping factors like gender, race, class, sexuality, disability, and geography. Gender-specific factors and targets are essential, with robust reporting and accountability mechanisms to ensure intersectionality is not just symbolic. We must pressure governments to report and track on gender progress in ICT policies during WSIS follow-ups, making gender equality a measurable and accountable component of digital development.
Dedicated funding mechanisms for gender-inclusive ICT initiatives
The final outcome lacked a serious framework for financing digital development. We need financing mechanisms that prioritise gender-inclusive ICT public infrastructure, across the layers of connectivity, data governance, and AI development. Commitment is needed to provide sustainable, publicly financed support for infrastructure that promotes equitable access and participation for women and girls in all their diversities, ensuring that digital inclusion is not sidelined due to inadequate resourcing.
Gender Impact Assessment as a Necessary Implementing Tool
The IGF and WSIS Forum must move beyond symbolic engagement and adopt measurable actions to strengthen inclusive participation and leadership. This includes integrating gender impact assessments, with disaggregated data, in policy processes, establishing programme tracks on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and ensuring sustained support for civil society advancing digital rights and equity. These measures should align with the Global Digital Compact and the Beijing Platform for Action, particularly its focus on women and media. Inclusion must remain central to the WSIS framework, with governments demonstrating progress on digital equity. UN Women and UNFPA should serve a key role in guiding and monitoring gender-responsive implementation.
Enhance Transparency and Accountability of Multi-Stakeholder Processes
The multi-stakeholder process within the WSIS framework must go beyond consultation to embed transparency and accountability mechanisms that ensure meaningful participation, especially of feminist civil society. Gender-inclusive representation must be recognised as foundational to equitable digital governance, with public financing mechanisms to support the sustained and effective participation of feminist organisations, particularly from the global South, in the likes of IGF, WSIS Forum and other internet governance spaces. The WSIS process should strengthen synergies with existing gender equality mechanisms, such as the Gender Advisory Board of the CSTD and Action Coalitions of the Generation Equality Forum, to institutionalise inclusive governance. To ensure legitimacy and fairness, the WSIS Forum must confront participation gaps, and guard against corporate capture. Feminist voices must be recognised as central to the future of digital governance.