The Philippines is actively seeking ways to end the digital divide and bridge the so-called gender gap.

This was proven by Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo when she presented the country’s initiatives toward ensuring digital inclusion and gender equality during the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67).

Held in New York, USA, the CSW67 explored best practices to end digital divide and at the same time achieve gender equality.

“While there are [still barriers needed] to be addressed, the Philippines already has the advantage,” said Lamentillo, citing the 2022 Global Gender Gap Report, reiterating that the country placed 19th in the global rankings.

Gender gap pertains to the differences between men and women in terms of opportunities. Digital divide, on the other hand, is the unequal access to digital technology across the nation.

“Philippine laws such as the Magna Carta of Women, Anti-Discrimination Against Women Act, Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Law, and Safe Spaces Act, among others, create an enabling environment where women’s and girls’ rights and safety are promoted and protected to allow them to achieve their full potential,” she furthered.

The aforementioned policies, as stressed by the government official, help shape the implementation of programs that will best benefit Filipinos. For the DICT, these programs include the Free Wi-Fi For All, Tech4ED Project, and Digital Jobs PH among others.

In relation to this, the theme for the 2023 International Women's Day is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality." This seeks to establish the empowerment of women and girls in the digital age.