UNDP discussed one of the major development challenges in Kyrgyzstan. Dibya Singh, UNDP gender consultant shared her knowledge about gender equality and digitalization.

Now we are leaving in the post COVID-19 pandemic are, we all understood how technologies are important. As a gender expert could you share your opinion on relations gender equality and digital transformation? And what do you think about Kyrgyzstan’ experience on digital mission of UNDP in Kyrgyz Republic to assess the digitalization process in Kyrgyzstan and its impact on gender equality?

In the last several years the Government of Kyrgyzstan has introduced several initiatives to move the country forward into the digital age. The National Sustainable Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040, the Programme of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic “Unity. Trust. Creation” 2018-2022 and the National Digital Transformation Programme 'Digital Kyrgyzstan' 2019-23 all emphasized the need for digital revolution and the use of digital tools to support the modernization of the economy. On the gender dimensions, the National Development Strategy prioritizes attaining of gender equality in all spheres and the National Digital Transformation Programme notes the importance of considering the gender digital divide, without specifying appropriate strategies to address it. I think digitalization is the key driver for economic growth and digital technology has the potential to accelerate progress towards  gender equality.  Kyrgyzstan must continue its efforts towards women empowerment through digitalization which offers range of opportunities for more gender-equal participation in labour markets, financial markets and entrepreneurship.

In the last several years the Government of Kyrgyzstan has introduced several initiatives to move the country forward into the digital age. The National Sustainable Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040, the Programme of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic “Unity. Trust. Creation” 2018-2022 and the National Digital Transformation Programme 'Digital Kyrgyzstan' 2019-23 all emphasized the need for digital revolution and the use of digital tools to support the modernization of the economy. On the gender dimensions, the National Development Strategy prioritizes attaining of gender equality in all spheres and the National Digital Transformation Programme notes the importance of considering the gender digital divide, without specifying appropriate strategies to address it. I think digitalization is the key driver for economic growth and digital technology has the potential to accelerate progress towards  gender equality.  Kyrgyzstan must continue its efforts towards women empowerment through digitalization which offers range of opportunities for more gender-equal participation in labour markets, financial markets and entrepreneurship.

What is your argument to convince that it is necessary to make more effort in Kyrgyzstan and what is your advice on it?

Digital literacy and digital skills will be essential for employment in future jobs. It is estimated that automation will throw millions of women out of work globally. Women will need to learn new skills to stay employed. STEM sector has been resilient to digital disruptions and is projected to grow phenomenally in the coming years. But under-representation of women in the STEM sectors makes them vulnerable to job losses. Hence it is important for the government of Kyrgyz Republic to prioritize digital skills and training in STEM fields to empower women to tap the opportunities created by digital revolution and the technologies of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Concerted efforts must be made by the universities and colleges to impart gender-responsive digital skills training to bridge the gender digital divide and prepare the workforce for the future of work. The country has low level of digital literacy with only about one third of women actively using the internet (29%) and only 1 out of 3 girls[1] have computer literacy which is clearly not enough for women to actively participate in the processes of digital transformation. The digital skills need to be further enhanced to unleash the full potential of young women and girls of Kyrgyzstan.

Digital literacy and digital tools are core hinges of development. Empower women with digital skills to become the powerful change agents and driving force for sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth. Kyrgyz government and academia must prioritize digital literacy of young women and girls in secondary and tertiary education. The country has low level of female digital literacy with only 21 per cent of women aged 15-49 actively use computer and only 1 out of 3 girls have computer literacy. The universities and colleges must impart gender-responsive digital skills training to bridge the gender digital divide and prepare the workforce to join the digital economy Digital divide is more prominent among women in rural areas of Kyrgyz Republic. Strong emphasis from national and local government should be on convenient access of digital technology in rural remote areas to bridge the urban-rural divide closing the digital divide through targeted campaigns on digital literacy for vulnerable population including rural women, girls, youth and people with disability. The preferred language of digital content must be in the local language for greater understanding and wider acceptance by rural.

Which issue do you think has a great potential to transform gender inequality?

Digital health has great potential to transform gender inequality. Digitalization in health sector is high on the agenda of Kyrgyzstan with steps taken to move towards digital health.. Digital health and emerging innovations can empower women healthcare providers with useful health information on smartphones such as the use of safe delivery app by midwives of Kyrgyzstan to ensure safer births. Also there is great potential with Telemedicine  where women can be trained to play transformative role in rural healthcare services. In Kyrgyzstan during COVID-19 pandemic the telemedicine services have been particularly effective in providing remote consultation to patients in home. isolation and eliminating the need to visit clinics thus reducing the risk of infections. Health tech, mobile e-learning apps, wearable gadgets, AI powered solutions are empowering women with easy access to health information and awareness on women’s health rights.

Digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce saw a surge in growth as a result of COVID-19 and has great potential in Kyrgyzstan especially for women owned SMEs who can export globally and enter the international marketplace. Women owned businesses in food, textiles, handicrafts can tap the global market and enhance local economy and livelihoods. For e-commerce to kick start In Kyrgyzstan there is need to formulate enabling policies and regulatory framework in banking and financial sector to strengthen the ecosystem of e-commerce which includes integration of marketplaces, payment gateways, online transactions and logistics. Government, private sector, trade support organizations will have to collaborate and play a complementary role.

Prepared within the Effective Governance Through Socioeconomic Recovery Facility in Kyrgyzstan project.

[1] National Statistics Committee and UNICEF