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EQUALS Global Partnership: A Bold New Vision for Digital Gender Equality

In a significant stride towards achieving digital gender equality, the EQUALS Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age has launched its ambitious new mission at the Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25) in Barcelona, Spain. The initiative aims to empower a staggering 100 million women and girls by 2035, positioning them as pivotal players in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The EQUALS Global Partnership comprises a coalition of various stakeholders, including international organizations, corporations, governments, academic institutions, and NGOs. With the foundational support from entities such as the International Telecommunication Union, UN Women, and the GSMA, the partnership intends to confront the persistent gender digital divide in effective and impactful ways.

Why Empower Women and Girls?

As technology develops at an unprecedented pace, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital communications, the EQUALS Global Partnership aims to ensure that women and girls are not merely participants but leaders in this transformation. "Technology is evolving faster than ever, and it is crucial that women and girls are at the forefront of this change," emphasized Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU. This statement underscores the urgent need to foster an environment where female innovators and decision-makers can thrive.

EQUALS plans to equip women and girls with essential digital skills and opportunities that will enable them to contribute substantively to the digital economy. Such empowerment is not only about access but also about ensuring that women have the resources and support to innovate, lead, and influence the technology sector fundamentally.

Strategic Framework and Thematic Workstreams

To facilitate the realization of this ambitious goal, the partnership is structured around thematic workstreams that operate on a two-year cycle. This approach allows for rapid adaptation and responsiveness to emerging challenges and opportunities within the digital space. Various initiatives will be launched to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors and spur impactful policy changes that benefit women and girls in technology.

With a focus on collective action, EQUALS encourages stakeholders to engage in programs that develop women's technical skills, enhance their participation in STEM fields, and provide mentorship and networking opportunities essential for career advancement.

Aligning with Global Frameworks

The mission of the EQUALS Global Partnership is aligned with key global frameworks, including the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Digital Compact, and the outcomes of the Beijing +30 Review Process. This synchronization helps ensure that the objectives set forth by EQUALS resonate within broader international goals for gender equality and sustainable development.

"The growth of AI and digital innovation offers unparalleled opportunities for an inclusive world," explained Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA. He cautioned, however, that without intentional efforts, women and girls risk being marginalized. By reaffirming their commitment, the EQUALS Global Partnership is safeguarding the potential of women and girls to fully engage and shape the future of technology.

Conclusion

As we move towards 2035, the EQUALS Global Partnership's vision holds the promise of transforming the digital landscape into one where women and girls not only participate but lead and inspire. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs for inclusion but also sets a robust foundation for future innovation driven by diverse voices. For further insights into the efforts of the EQUALS Global Partnership, visit EQUALS in Tech.