Women Should Adopt & Embrace New Technologies Says Cynthia Villar
CYNTHIA VILLAR – Senator Cynthia Villar stressed the urgency of addressing this divide to harness the full potential of women in building a robust digital economy.
Senator Cynthia Villar recently highlighted the pressing need for women to adopt and embrace new technologies to sustain the economy’s progress, especially as nearly 90 percent of jobs will require digital skills by 2025. Speaking at the 18th annual general assembly of the Philippine Federation of Local Councils of Women, Villar underscored the critical role of women in the digital age, encouraging them to become leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers in the digital economy.
Villar emphasized the Senate’s commitment to addressing digital challenges and opportunities through legislation. She cited several laws, including:
- Republic Act 11293 (Philippine Innovation Act)
- Republic Act 11337 (Innovative Startup Act)
- Republic Act 11927 (Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act)
- Republic Act 11967 (Internet Transactions Act)
- Republic Act 11976 (Ease of Paying Taxes Act)
- Senate Bill 2560 (Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act)
According to the report, despite these efforts, Villar pointed out the gender digital divide as a significant barrier to women’s digital empowerment. Globally, 70 percent of men use the internet compared to 65 percent of women, and in low and middle-income countries, women are 15 percent less likely to use mobile internet. Only 24 percent of women globally enroll in information and communications technology (ICT) courses, contributing to a skilled worker shortage. In the Philippines, 30 to 40 percent of women take ICT courses, which is higher but still insufficient.
Villar stressed the urgency of addressing this divide to harness the full potential of women in building a robust digital economy.
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