Tehran – The access and affordability of the Internet, digital devices and technology have the power to accelerate progress across all sectors of society. But they are out of reach of around 2.6 billion people, most of whom are women.
Combined with limited digital knowledge and skills, it continues to hinder women and girls’ participation in shaping today’s economy and tomorrow’s digital solutions.
Filling this gap is essential to unlocking new pathways for economic growth, innovation and sustainable development.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025 highlights the pressing need to advance digital gender equality, so that women and girls everywhere benefit and contribute to digital transformation.
WTISD has also marked the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of the United Nations Digital Technology Agency. In 2025, ITU commemorates its 160th anniversary, highlighting its longstanding role in improving global connectivity and promoting international cooperation.
The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to raise awareness of the potential that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) can bring to society and the economy, and to bridge digital disparities.
Digital development opportunities
In September 2024, Zahra Behrouz-Azar, vice president of women and family affairs, calls for efforts to tackle challenges such as digital disparities in technology and gender discrimination, allowing women to fully benefit from the opportunities offered by digital development.
Officials said women should empower them through the development of the digital economy to solve social issues. “In our opinion, women’s development should not be limited to the economic and digital sectors, but women need to empower them through the development of the digital economy and solve other social issues,” said Behrouz-Azar in an exclusive interview with China’s Global Television Network (CGTN).
She made a comment about a bystander who would be participating in the 5th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Women’s Forum, which was held from September 10th to 12th in Qingdao, China.
In a speech at the forum, officials said that women can help promote change and leverage their capabilities, particularly in the fields of technology, economics and politics, to improve people’s livelihoods and achieve a more just, compassionate and stable society.
In the digital age, new technologies provide unique opportunities for women as social networks, online platforms and digital tools empower women to hear their voices, Behrouz-Azar said.
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