Udaipur, May 19 — The Institution of Engineers India (IEI), Udaipur Local Centre, observed World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) by organizing a special seminar on the theme “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation.” The event highlighted the global need to bridge the digital gender divide and ensure equal digital opportunities for women and girls.
Digital Inclusion Key to Progress
In his opening address, IEI Udaipur Chairman Er. Purushottam Paliwal welcomed guests and emphasized that every year on May 17, WTISD is observed to raise awareness about the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs). “This year’s theme underlines the importance of ensuring that women also benefit equally from the digital age,” he stated. “As the world moves swiftly into a tech-driven era, inclusive participation is crucial to achieving a progressive digital society.”
Tackling the Digital Gender Divide
Honorary Secretary Er. Piyush Javeria shed light on the widening digital gap. He noted that technologies are transforming every aspect of life—from education and healthcare to governance and business. “However, the fact that women have significantly less access to digital tools and the internet remains a major roadblock in inclusive development,” he said. “True digital advancement only occurs when no one is left behind.”
Expert Insights on Digital Equality and Emerging Tech
Chief Guest and keynote speaker Er. Shafique Ahmed, Chief Manager at Secure Meters, Udaipur, pointed out that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include gender equality as a critical target. He encouraged greater participation of women in tech and engineering sectors. Er. Ahmed elaborated on emerging technologies like 6G, which promises uninterrupted communication even in high-speed bullet trains, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is revolutionizing sectors like healthcare. He also mentioned innovations like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gamma AI, Napkin AI, and Gemini, which are redefining the digital workspace.
Challenges Faced by Women in ICT
Kavita Dhakar, Sub-Divisional Engineer (Enterprise Business), BSNL, shared critical insights into the gender gap in mobile and internet usage across India. According to her:
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Only 40% of urban women and 25% of rural women use mobile phones and internet services.
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In rural India, only 3 out of 10 women own a personal mobile phone, compared to 5 out of 10 men.
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Digital safety concerns like cyber harassment, lack of women role models in ICT, and social bias continue to discourage women from pursuing tech careers.
Dhakar also highlighted BSNL’s efforts to expand telecom access in rural areas and called for increased female representation in technical decision-making, ICT training, and emerging fields like AI and IoT.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.