Digital inclusion will be at the forefront of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s endeavors as chair of the third Annual ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting this week.
The DICT said Sunday that Philippine digital inclusion entails the increasing participation of women, youth, and other sectors in ICT with focus on policy engagement and digital competence, all of which can foster an inclusive future for the nation.
DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy will be presenting initiatives set this year to promote digital inclusion: Digital Innovation for Women Advancement or DIWA and Generation Connect Philippines or GenConnect-PH.
DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Councilor to the International Telecommunications Union, is a proponent of both projects as part of the country’s commitment to the ITU.
ICT’s role in gender equality
DIWA is a nationwide program that harnesses the role of ICT to advance gender equality and empower women to actively participate in building an inclusive and sustainable digital future.
On 10 February 2023, the DICT will conduct a ceremonial turnover of the letter of intent for DIWA.
During the same week, the DICT will also be presenting GenConnect-PH. This program will ensure meaningful participation by the youth as key stakeholders in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as to reduce the youth digital divide.
GenConnect-PH, on the other hand, will implement strategies in support of the three pillars of the ITU’s Youth Strategy: Empower, Engage and Participate.