About EQUALS
We are EQUALS!
The EQUALS Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age is a committed group of corporate leaders, governments, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, academic institutions, NGOs and community groups around the world dedicated to promoting gender balance in the technology sector by championing equality of access, skills development and career opportunities for women and men alike.
How does EQUALS work?
Launched in 2016 by the International Telecommunication Union and four founding partners – GSMA, the International Trade Centre, the United Nations University and UN Women – EQUALS contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Agenda through actions and evidence-based research aimed at closing the global gender digital divide.
EQUALS uses a multidisciplinary approach that integrates research, policy and programming to promote gender equality in technology access, skills and leadership, as well as conducting ground-breaking, evidence-based research.
By promoting awareness, building political commitment, leveraging resources and knowledge, harnessing the capacities of partners, and supporting real action – EQUALS seeks to achieve digital gender equality and through this, to improve the livelihoods of millions around the world.
EQUALS was founded in 2016 by five partners: the International Telecommunication Union, UN Women, the International Trade Centre, GSMA and the United Nations University.
Today, EQUALS is a growing global network of more than 100 partners – including governments, companies and NGOs.
Why do we need digital gender equality?
Around the globe in developing or developed countries, women are being held back from participating in the financial, educational, social and health resources of the digital technology-driven world – both in terms of benefiting from these and contributing to these. The digital gender divide is one of the largest gender divides in our world today – while its negative impact is substantial and felt by all.
In families, communities and professional roles, women’s perspectives, skills and experiences bring important value – strengthening societies, building economies, advancing knowledge and ultimately improving livelihoods.
It is clear that without women’s participation in digital technology development and access to digital technology resources – we all lose.
Our focus
EQUALS works to reverse the increasing digital gender divide, and to close the gap by 2030 – supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 by empowering women through their use of information and communication technologies. An action plan of data gathering, knowledge sharing and advocacy strengthening drives the EQUALS network partnership.
To achieve our goals, partners focus on four core issues:
