Jakarta, 8 March 2021: ERIA marks the International Women’s Day by releasing a video on access and participation of women in the digital economy across ASEAN, based on findings from recent ERIA publications.

The ASEAN region is one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world, and this transition towards digital technologies is being accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To build inclusive digital economies and societies, it is crucial for women to have equal access to opportunities offered by digital technologies, especially in terms of more sophisticated forms of access, such as access to skills, entrepreneurship opportunity and leadership positions in both the private and the public sector.

Equal representation in policymaking bodies regulating and shaping the digital economy is also crucial to make sure different points of views are taken into account and to effectively tackle potential biases and discriminations associated with new digital tools affecting women. The video has been realized thanks to the financial support of Australian Aid.