WTISD 2025: Aya Institute urges gender-sensitive policies to bridge the digital divide

Ghana is celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) this week. The theme is "Gender Equality in Digital Transformation." The Aya Institute for Women, Politics and Media has praised Ghana's telecom progress. However, they call for more gender-responsive policies to protect women online.

In a statement for WTISD, the Institute recognized Ghana’s advancements in telecommunications. They described the sector as “one of the most progressive on the continent.”

The group emphasized that access alone is not sufficient. They stated, “While Ghana has made impressive gains, true transformation requires affordability and skills training.” This is especially important for women and girls.

The Aya Institute referenced a 2024 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report. It highlighted the growing digital gender divide in least developed countries like Ghana. Only 29 percent of women in LDCs use the internet compared to 41 percent of men.

In low-income countries, just 21 percent of women are connected. In contrast, 93 percent of women are connected in high-income countries. These gaps represent lost opportunities for education and economic progress for women and girls.

The Institute advocates for two major interventions:
1. Affordable internet access in underserved communities.
2. Digital literacy training for women and girls.

“Digital skills are essential to eradicating gender-based poverty,” they noted. Without these skills, women will be left behind in the global economy.

The Institute praised initiatives like ‘Girls in ICT’ but urged policymakers to do more. They need policies that are both gender-sensitive and gender-transformative.

They also called on the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation to ensure online safety for women and girls. The rise in cyberbullying and digital harassment is concerning. Many women have reported experiencing online violence.

“A safe telecommunications space must be a national priority,” they stated. Cyber abuse must be addressed swiftly, especially regarding minors' images or videos.

The Aya Institute urged all stakeholders to adopt inclusive digital policies that uplift women. “Our digital future must work for all,” they concluded. If we don’t close the gender gap now, we risk leaving half the population behind.