“UNESCO’s Global Education Monitor Explores Impact of Technology on Girls’ Education”
A new report from UNESCO’s latest Global Education Monitor (GEM) delves into the gendered implications of technology on girls’ education, marking two decades of progress in reducing discrimination while highlighting the detrimental effects of technology on educational outcomes for girls.
The report acknowledges strides made in combating discrimination against girls over the past twenty years but also underscores the negative impact of technology. It addresses challenges such as online harassment, disparities in access to information and communication technology (ICT), and the adverse influences of social media on mental health and body image, all of which can hinder academic performance. Additionally, it emphasizes the gender gap in STEM fields, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in STEM education and careers.
While recognizing the potential of appropriately used social media to enhance girls’ awareness of social issues, the GEM team advocates for increased educational investment and stricter digital regulations to foster safer, more inclusive environments for girls worldwide.
The report’s release coincided with International Girls in ICT Day, supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). During this event, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the necessity of greater support and resources for girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), highlighting the global disparity in internet access between women (65%) and men (70%). Despite years of recognition, the persistent ICT access gap and its disproportionately adverse effects on girls underscore the urgency for a more aggressive approach in policy and resource allocation to achieve true gender equality in education.
