The internet, digital platforms, information and communications technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) offer unprecedented pathways to increase women’s participation across all spheres of life, enhance gender-disaggregated data collection, advance gender-responsive standards and procurement policies, and promote global collaboration in gender equality efforts. Yet, where there is opportunity, there is also risk. While the digital transformation bears vast potential to leapfrog progress towards SDG 5, the digital gender divide, persistent gender stereotypes, the under-representation of women in tech and decision-making, significant gaps in digital literacy and a rise in technology-facilitated GBV also threaten to exacerbate existing inequalities.

In this context, the International Gender Champions and the Geneva Graduate Institute are hosting their 6th Geneva Gender Debate. In the tradition of the Oxford Union Debates, the motion debated on this occasion will be : “This house believes that digital and new emerging technologies are catalysts for accelerating gender equality.”

Introduction:
Claire Somerville, Executive Director of the Gender Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union
Debaters:
Sameer Chauhan, Director, United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC)
Rita French, Executive Fellow, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), and former UK Human Rights Ambassador
Itonde Kakoma, President / CEO, Interpeace
Caitlin Kraft-Buchman, Co-Founder and CEO, Women at the Table / Alliance for Inclusive Algorithms
Moderator:
Naomi Samake-Bäckert, PhD Student, Gender Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute
Closing remarks:
Martin Chungong, Secretary-General, Inter-Parliamentary Union and Chair, International Gender Champions Global Board

This event is organised in partnership with the International Gender Champions and as part of the Institute’s Gender, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative.