IGF 2025 WS #356 Empowering Women Through DEI in the Digital Economy

    Organizer 1: Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
    Organizer 2: Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 1: Mevish Vaishnav, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 2: MAY Siksik, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 3: Carol Banks, Private Sector, African Group
    Format
    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: A roundtable format is ideal for fostering an open and balanced exchange of ideas among diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and grassroots advocates. The interactive nature of a roundtable encourages direct dialogue, allowing participants to challenge assumptions, share insights, and explore different approaches to improving DEI in the digital economy. A 60-minute session ensures focused and dynamic discussion, with time allocated for expert perspectives and audience engagement through Q&A and live polling. This format promotes collaborative problem-solving, helping to identify practical strategies and actionable solutions for increasing women’s participation in the digital economy.
    Policy Question(s)
    1. How can DEI-focused policies drive greater participation of women in the digital economy, especially in leadership and entrepreneurship? 2. What are the key barriers preventing women from accessing digital resources and how can governments and industry collaborate to overcome them? 3. How can public-private partnerships and policy interventions be designed to close the gender gap in digital literacy, employment, and decision-making?
    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how DEI initiatives can empower women in the digital economy, highlighting successful strategies for increasing women’s participation in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership. They will hear diverse perspectives from policymakers, industry leaders, and grassroots advocates, offering insights into overcoming systemic barriers and designing inclusive digital policies. Attendees will explore case studies showcasing how targeted DEI interventions have created employment opportunities and improved digital access for women. Practical insights on fostering female-led startups, closing the gender gap in digital literacy, and building inclusive work environments will be shared. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and tools to implement DEI-focused policies and programs in their organizations and communities.
    Description:

    This session will explore how DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) can empower women in the digital economy, addressing systemic barriers and highlighting successful models that have driven concrete results. The discussion will cover innovative approaches, including policy interventions, skill-building programs, and public-private partnerships that have increased women’s participation in the tech industry, digital entrepreneurship, and leadership roles. Expert panelists, including policymakers, industry leaders, and grassroots advocates, will present case studies showcasing how targeted DEI initiatives have created employment opportunities, improved access to digital resources, and increased women’s representation in decision-making. The session will encourage active participation through live polling and Q&A, ensuring a balanced exchange of insights from diverse regional and professional perspectives. Key takeaways will include practical strategies for designing inclusive digital policies, fostering female-led startups, and closing the gender gap in digital literacy and employment. This session aims to equip attendees with actionable tools and insights to drive meaningful change in the digital economy.
    Expected Outcomes
    The session aims to generate actionable recommendations for improving DEI in the digital economy, focusing on increasing women’s participation in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Insights from policymakers, industry leaders, and advocates will inform the development of inclusive digital policies and programs. Specific outputs may include a policy brief outlining best practices and strategic recommendations for fostering women’s empowerment in the digital economy. The session is also expected to inspire follow-up collaborations between governments, industry, and civil society to implement DEI-focused initiatives and track progress through future forums and reports.
    Hybrid Format: The session will use a hybrid-friendly platform (e.g., Zoom or Webex) with real-time chat and Q&A features to ensure seamless interaction. A dedicated moderator will manage onsite discussions, while a co-moderator will oversee online participation, ensuring balanced engagement. Interactive tools like Slido will be used for live polling and Q&A, allowing both onsite and online participants to share insights and ask questions. Speakers will alternate between addressing in-person and remote attendees to maintain engagement for a deeper discussion on DEI-focused policy solutions.