The
EQUALS Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age reaffirmed its
commitment to empowering women and girls in the digital world with the launch
of its new mission and vision today at MWC25 Barcelona. This strengthened
commitment by the founding partners of EQUALS consisting of the International
Telecommunication Union, the International Trade Centre, UN Women, UN
University and the GSMA, sets an ambitious goal: achieving digital gender
equality by 2035.
With
the rapid evolution of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI)
and digital transformation, ensuring that women and girls have equal
opportunities to participate in and shape the digital economy is more critical
than ever. The EQUALS Global Partnership - a coalition of international
organizations, governments, corporations, academic institutions, non-profits,
and community organizations worldwide - is intensifying efforts to bridge the
gender digital divide.
Empowering
women and girls through digital innovation
To
harness the potential of emerging digital trends, the new EQUALS vision firmly
puts women and girls at the center of digital transformation, putting them at
the centre of progress, participating, leading and innovating. By equipping
them with digital skills, resources, and opportunities, EQUALS aims to empower
100 million women and girls within the next decade to become active
contributors to the digital economy.
“As
technology evolves faster than ever, successful digital transformation depends
on women and girls being at the forefront of change,” said ITU
Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “That’s why a renewed focus on
empowering women innovators and policymakers is driving the new EQUALS Global
Partnership.”
Mats
Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, said: “The growth of AI and digital
innovation presents unprecedented opportunities to build a more inclusive
world. But without intentional action, women and girls risk being left behind.
By reaffirming our mission, the EQUALS Global Partnership is ensuring that
women and girls everywhere can fully participate in the digital economy,
unlocking their potential and shaping the future of technology.”
A global
call to action
The
partnership’s work will be structured around thematic workstreams, each
operating on a two-year cycle, ensuring flexibility to adapt to emerging
challenges and opportunities. EQUALS partners and members will continue
advocating for policy changes, fostering collaboration between public and
private sectors, and launching targeted programmes to support women and girls
in tech.
As
part of its broader vision, EQUALS aligns its work with key global frameworks,
including the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the UN Global Digital
Compact, and the Beijing +30 Review Process Outcomes, reinforcing its
commitment to long-term, measurable impact.
