Talal Raza’s Post

Pakistan’s first-ever Digital Development Index 2024 launched by UNDP Pakistan. Key insights: 📊 Pakistan placed in moderate digital development category with almost 50% districts having low digital development rankings. 🏙 Islamabad leads with very high digital development followed by Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Haripur, and Abbottabad. 💰 Digital development starkly divided by wealth with richest quintile 15 times more developed than poorest. 🚺 Women underserved by digital development, indicating a crucial gap in access and inclusion. https://lnkd.in/dMjxuHBs

The UNDP Pakistan National Human Development Report 2023/2024 reveals that around 54.3% of Pakistan lacks #internet access due to #digital infrastructure and affordability issues. The Digital Development Index (DDI) rates Pakistan as moderately developed digitally, with a cumulative DDI of 0.205. Notably, nearly half of Pakistan's districts have low DDI rankings, indicating disparities in digital development. Gender dynamics further accentuate these discrepancies, as many women report limited control over their #mobile phones, often dictated by spouses or parents. This lack of autonomy underscores broader issues of gender inequality in access to #technology and digital opportunities. In order to bridge this gap, targeted interventions are required. The report's "4 As" framework - Access, Adopt, Anticipate, Accelerate - proposes targeted #investments in digital #infrastructure and skills development. This approach aims to leverage technology for #socioeconomic progress, a commitment echoed by Pakistan's #government officials during the report's launch. UNDP's Regional Director emphasizes digital transformation's potential for Pakistan's growing middle class, advocating for productivity-focused strategies. The report serves as a roadmap for policymakers, urging concerted efforts towards a digitally inclusive and progressive Pakistan. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdates

4th Thursday of April every year, the special day, established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to bridge the gender gap in information and communication technologies (ICT) and encourage more girls to explore opportunities in this exciting field. In our context we need to ask ourselves! Is supporting and empowering girls in ICT is a requisite. Will Pakistan's development agenda remain unfulfilled without digital development? In its recent report, UNDP revealed that around half of Pakistan's population does not have access to internet. Furthermore, districts performing better on digital transformation are also among the better performing areas in terms of human development. #GirlsInICT#GenderEquality#TechEmpowerment

A recent UNDP Pakistan report reveals a stark digital divide in Pakistan, where over half the population lacks internet access. This challenge is even more pronounced for women, with approximately 83.5% reporting that their use of digital devices is monitored by family members. Moreover, the richest 20% enjoy 15 times more digital access than the poorest, making digital literacy a marker of privilege. At WALI - the WANG Lab of Innovation, we are committed to changing this landscape in #Lasbela #Balochistan. Our focus is not just on providing access, but also on fostering an environment where women can freely and safely engage with digital technologies. Through targeted education and skill development programs focusing on digital skills and AI, WALI is leveling the playing field, ensuring that all community members, especially women, can benefit from digital opportunities. We are dedicated to transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment. #DigitalDevide #InternetforAll #AiForAll #Internet #InternetforChange #ICTD #Balochistan WANG

A new United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) #SDGs Report, published in June 2024, details significant challenges the world faces in making substantial strides towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals over the next six years, and highlights where action must accelerate. Included in the Report is #IPU #data reflecting #WomenMPs representation in decision-making positions. From the boardroom to #parliaments, women's leadership numbers have only marginally improved. As of 1 April 2024, women occupied 26.9% of seats globally, up from 22.3% in 2015. Only six countries have 50% or more women in lower or single chambers (Andorra, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, Rwanda, and the United Arab Emirates). Two lower chambers now have no women members (Oman and Yemen), down from five in 2015. Access the Report: https://lnkd.in/dgJKB8Mf

We were recently shocked to learn that nearly one third—30 percent!—of the population in developed, high-income countries such as Japan and Singapore lacks basic ICT skills. That number shoots up to over 90 percent in countries such as Pakistan and the Philippines. Steps to tackle skill and digital access gaps, tailored financing for women and youth entrepreneurs, and inclusion targets in job protection and promotion initiatives are some of the steps a recent UNDP report on Structural Transformation and Labour Markets in Asia and the Pacific lists as suggestions for inclusive policies for job market recovery and resilience. Inclusivity needs to be core policymaking priority to achieve economic transformation, boost productivity growth, and increase labour market resilience in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the report. Check out the other three key focus areas for achieving structural transformation in the Asia-Pacific region here: https://lnkd.in/gWVPJYwc We've been thinking a lot about inclusive policymaking this year—so much so that we've created a whole new programme around it. Our "Inclusive and Participatory Methods for Policy Making" programme will focus on creating comprehensive and equitable solutions to complex policy challenges. We debut in July: https://lnkd.in/gje5WZwt

Kenya is considered a pioneer in digital infrastructure. However, the processes and mechanisms of #digitalization in Kenya are currently being shaped by underlying intersectional disparities, including gender and post-colonial inequities, which are giving rise to a growing digital divide. Against this background, our new research project “Updating gender dynamics for digital employment in Kenya (UPDATE)” explores how enhanced connectivity and technology could be reimagined in a feminist way. The project will scrutinize two areas in which digitalization has been seen as holding major promise for sustainable development: a) safe and dignified employment and b) women’s mobilization and political participation. UPDATE is rooted in collaboration between Swiss and Kenyan #research institutions, and Kenyan feminist tech-activists: #CDE (Universität Bern), University of Nairobi, Pollicy, and Geneva Graduate Institute. The project is funded by the the SOR4D programme, a joint funding scheme of the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Learn more about the project 👉 https://t.ly/ehfMb Schweizerischer Nationalfonds SNF Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit

While #internationalwomensday2024 has passed, #womenshistorymonth continues. Sharing this free resource developed by Euromonitor International and our partners on women's economic empowerment (WEE) in 13 countries #subsaharanafrica. Designed for both the WEE specialist and the newcomer to gender issues, the aim of the study is intended to inform strategies, policies, program design and implementation that can promote WEE and, in turn, economic growth by providing a clear narrative for change. Further, the study proposes multiple recommendations in each country and sector for consideration and further dialogue. On the main study website [https://lnkd.in/g9rDJrd4], you can find the following core project deliverables: A country summary report covering cross-country findings and conclusions. [https://lnkd.in/gzijYyv7] Thirteen individual full country reports with each around 100+ pages and including the sector reviews, findings, and detailed recommendations. [Click on respective country flag icons on main site] Thirteen individual country PowerPoint Executive Summary presentations providing an overview of the full report and including the full set of recommendations across sectors. [Click on respective country flag icons on main site] 39 individual stakeholder mapping files covering each sector and country combination, including high-level information on potential partners and beneficiaries active in the sector. [Click on respective country flag icons on main site] Special thanks to USAID, #mastercardfoundation , U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council (OCDC), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), UN Women, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Kore Global, and the Euromonitor CSR team for your partnership and support on this project.

🌍💼 Delve into Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) across 13 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with free resources! Dive into our comprehensive resources designed for both WEE specialists and those new to WEE (https://lnkd.in/gYnmYpne): 🔍 Country summary report: Uncover cross-country findings and conclusions. 📘Individual full country reports: Delve into detailed sector reviews, findings, and recommendations for each country. 🖥️ Country PowerPoint Executive Summaries: Get an overview of the full report and recommendations across sectors. 🗺️ Stakeholder mapping files: Access valuable information on key actors active in each sector and country.

We were recently shocked to learn that nearly one third—30 percent!—of the population in developed, high-income countries such as Japan and Singapore lacks basic ICT skills. That number shoots up to over 90 percent in countries such as Pakistan and the Philippines. Steps to tackle skill and digital access gaps, tailored financing for women and youth entrepreneurs, and inclusion targets in job protection and promotion initiatives are some of the steps a recent UNDP report on Structural Transformation and Labour Markets in Asia and the Pacific lists as suggestions for inclusive policies for job market recovery and resilience. Inclusivity needs to be core policymaking priority to achieve economic transformation, boost productivity growth, and increase labour market resilience in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the report. Check out the other three key focus areas for achieving structural transformation in the Asia-Pacific region here: https://lnkd.in/gWVPJYwc We've been thinking a lot about inclusive policymaking this year—so much so that we've created a whole new programme around it. Our "Inclusive and Participatory Methods for Policy Making" programme will focus on creating comprehensive and equitable solutions to complex policy challenges. Registrations close soon on Oct 28th, so be sure to join us: https://lnkd.in/gje5WZwt