On March 8 the world observed International Women’s Day (IWD). The 2019 theme is: Think equal, build smart, innovate for change.
As the UN states, the theme “focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure….Innovation and technology provide unprecedented opportunities, yet trends indicate a growing gender digital divide and women are under-represented in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design. It prevents them from developing and influencing gender-responsive innovations to achieve transformative gains for society….it is vital that women’s ideas and experiences equally influence the design and implementation of the innovations that shape our future societies.”
