Patriarchy and access to technology

[Techno-Patriarchy: How AI is Misogyny’s New Clothes Gender discrimination is baked into artificial intelligence by design and it’s in the interests of tech bros. In my day job, I support our clients using AI to accelerate the discovery of new drugs and materials. I can see the benefits of this technology to the people and the planet. But there is a dark side too. That’s the reason tech -       Disregards women’s needs and experiences when developing AI solutions. -       Deflects its accountability in automating and increasing online harassment -       Purposely reinforces gender stereotypes -       Operationalises menstrual surveillance -       Sabotages women’s businesses and activism I substantiate each of the points above with real examples and the impact on the lives of women.   Fortunately, not all is doom and gloom.   Because insanity is to do the same thing and expect a different outcome, I also share what we need to start doing differently to develop AI that works for women too.   #EthicalAI #InclusiveAI #MisogynisticAI #BiasedAI #Patriarchy #InclusiveTech #WomenInTech #WomenInBusiness

Is it fair that in India, more than half of the women don’t have exclusive access to a mobile phone? Shocking, right? Yes, you heard it right. While mobile phones have become an essential tool for communication, education, and work, 52% of Indian women can only use a shared phone, and 21% don’t use one at all. Why is that? Even in 2023, when the world is more connected than ever, women still face barriers to accessing basic technology. Many families prioritize giving phones to men, considering it a “necessity” for them, while treating it as a “luxury” for women. It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? But this isn’t just about phones. It’s about independence, privacy, and opportunity. Without exclusive access, women can’t freely explore educational content, apply for jobs, or even make private calls without judgment. The gap is clear: 48% of men have their own phones compared to just 27% of women. Why does this matter? Because a mobile phone isn’t just a device—it’s a lifeline. It’s the key to staying informed, building careers, and accessing critical services. And when women are left out of the digital world, they’re left out of opportunities. So, how do we fix this? We need to make digital access a priority for women. This means: ✅ Affordable devices and data plans for women. ✅ Programs that address societal norms and encourage families to empower their daughters. ✅ Digital literacy initiatives to ensure women can fully utilize these tools. Because until everyone is connected, we can’t claim to be truly equal. What do you think? How can we make sure women get equal access to technology? LinkedIn News India LinkedIn Guide to Creating #digitaldivide #empowerwomen #genderequality #technologyforall Source: Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey, NSSO 2022-23 (via dataforindia)

Excited to share insights from my Master's thesis on how information technology is transforming women's empowerment in Pakistan. Initially, I was unsure where my research would lead. Still, it soon became clear that IT not only opens doors to online learning, scholarships, and global educational opportunities but also challenges traditional gender roles. As Nirmal Puwar's idea of “space invaders” suggests, women are boldly entering spaces that were once considered off-limits, redefining what it means to be independent and self-reliant. My work involved extensive discussions and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with participants who highlighted both the immense benefits and the harsh challenges of our digital era. On the one hand, digital platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have become essential tools for mentoring and connecting with scholarship opportunities. On the other hand, cyberbullying and online harassment—recorded at around 4441 cases in 2021, with a significant number involving women—pose real threats that can diminish confidence and hinder progress. Moreover, my research pointed to unequal access to IT, influenced by economic constraints and entrenched societal hierarchies. While government initiatives such as providing laptops have been appreciated by many, issues around accessibility remain a challenge. Research by UNDP Pakistan on digitalization and its impact on women has been extremely helpful in understanding the transformative potential of digital tools, yet it also reinforces that much more work is needed. In light of these findings, I strongly urge Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives to create more safe digital spaces where women can explore their potential without fear. Establishing secure, supportive environments is essential for enabling women to fully engage with the digital world and leverage its opportunities for education and employment. I’m grateful for the journey my research has taken me on, and I look forward to continuing this conversation on digital empowerment and gender equality.  #GenderEquality #WomenEmpowerment #Technology #UNDP #Digitalization

“Ladkiyon ko zyada padha-likha kar kya karna hai?   Akhir mein ghar hi sambhalna hai na.”       Except for a few, almost all girls across India hear this every day.   Yes, we may say that the gender gap in education is closing. More girls are in classrooms, literacy rates are rising, and on paper, we’re making progress. But let’s pause for a moment and be real:   Does access to a classroom guarantee an equal future?   Because while a girl might sit in the same class as a boy, the opportunities given to them are often not the same.   💻 The Digital Divide: Many Indian parents still restrict their daughters from using mobile phones, laptops, or the internet, believing it’s unnecessary, while boys freely explore technology, access online learning, and build digital skills. In a world where tech drives careers, this isn’t just about access—it’s about limiting futures before they even begin.   🎓 Degrees vs. Careers: Girls may complete their education, but are they being encouraged to dream beyond “safe” career choices? How many are told to aim for leadership, technology, and innovation?   💰 The Cost of Prioritization: When resources are scarce, families often invest in a son’s future before a daughter’s. Education is not just about sitting in a classroom—it’s about being given equal tools to succeed. So yes, we’re celebrating progress in urban cities, but are we truly creating a future where girls are as equipped as boys for Digital India?   In rural areas, access remains a struggle. Even in cities, biases persist—boys have freedom, while girls still face restrictions on education, opportunities, and choices. Access isn’t just about resources; it’s about the right to shape their own futures.   📢 What’s one thing we can do today to make sure education translates into real opportunities for women?   — Charu Jain   #EducationForAll #DigitalEquality #WomenInTech #FutureIsEqual #DigitalIndia