Prioritising Digital Gender Inclusion in Asia: From Token Mentions to Transformative Action

Date: Monday, Oct 13

Time: 11:30 - 12:30 (60 mins)

Session Types: Panel Discussion

South Asia has the widest gap in mobile internet adoption (32%), mobile ownership (18%) and smartphone ownership (40%) in the world, according to GSMA’s Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025. Out of 885 million women who still do not use the internet, more than 530 million live in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. According to Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP)’s latest research, the exclusion of women from the digital economy cost close to $1.5 trillion in GDP of developing economies over the last decade and if current trends continue, another $500 billion could be lost over the next 5 years. Digital gender inclusion is not just a social issue, it is an economic crisis!

Governments in the Asia-Pacific region have been mentioning digital equality in various national ICT policies/strategies but rarely do they see it as a priority in the policy agenda due to lack of awareness, capacity, resources and data limitations. Yet, there are some shining examples in the region, both from public and private sector, where digital gender empowerment has been prioritised and backed with concrete action plans and high-level oversight.

This session will discuss the current state of digital gender gap in South Asia and how prioritizing gender inclusion can bring socioeconomic benefits to the region. The panel will feature changemakers that have taken tangible actions, not just commitments, through policy interventions and/or community empowerment. The practical insights of these gender champions will equip the audience with practical insights, knowledge and process to translate ideas and commitments into real actions that can reduce the digital gender gap in their respective territories. Finally, the session will offer networking opportunities for stakeholders to forge partnerships, share resources, and collaborate on future initiatives pertaining to the digital empowerment and inclusion of women in developing countries.

Moderators/Speakers: Amrita Choudhury, Malahat Obaid, Neeti Biyani, Onica N. Makwakwa, Ruzan Sarwar, Waqas Hassan