On October 11, we celebrated International Day of the Girl, a day to raise awareness about inequality experienced by girls around the globe. This year’s theme is "Digital generation. Our generation”, calling for equal access to the internet and digital devices for girls’ and targeted investments to facilitate opportunities for girls’ to safely and meaningfully access, use, lead and design technology.

As we know from our own experiences, digital inclusion and literacy opens new avenues to learning, earning and leading for girls, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frustratingly, the pandemic has also deepened the gender divide around connectivity and online safety, with girls facing economic and social barriers to internet and device access. In fact, the gender gap for global internet users grew from 11 per cent in 2013 to 17 per cent in 2019. In the world’s least developed countries, it hovers around 43 per cent.

But the gender digital divide is about more than connectivity. Girls are also less likely than boys to use and own devices, and gain access to tech-related skills and jobs. Only by addressing the inequity and exclusion that span geographies and generations can we usher in a digital revolution for all, with all.

To learn more about International day of the Girl, click here

To read some inspirational stories about girls in Africa, click here

Listen to Hidden Heroes, an eight-episode podcast series featuring meet women and girls taking a stand against gender injustice,