IGF 2024 Open Forum #37 Her Data,Her Policies:Towards a Gender Inclusive Data Future

In our increasingly data-driven economies and societies, leveraging data as a strategic resource is pivotal. With processes of datafication introducing vast new opportunities to benefit from the global economy, local and regional digital economies face a growing need for regulatory mechanisms and harmonized data policies. In response to these challenges and opportunities, the African Union (AU) adopted its Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS) and continental Data Policy Framework (DPF), which respectively strive to harness the potential of data for development in Africa while containing subsequent risks. The DPF aims at creating a common data space and a uniform data governance mechanism to enable African countries to make advantage of data as a strategic asset to boost the development of sustainable and inclusive digital / data driven economy and society. The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) is supporting the AU with the implementation of the AU DPF, helping develop national data strategies, data protection legislation, and providing capacity building on data governance to national regulators in at least 10 member states. These data strategies must consider the specific perspectives, needs, and contributions of African women and marginalised communities across the continent. Persistent gender digital divides and gender data gaps continue to pose a significant barrier, limiting African women’s effective engagement in the digital economy. Without intentional action, the shift towards data-driven economies may perpetuate, rather than resolve, gender disparities. This session aims to address these issues by exploring gendered approaches that recognise and meet the unique needs of women, girls, and marginalised communities within digital and data environments. It emphasizes the necessity of applying a gender lens to the implementation of the AU DPF and the development of data policies in African countries. Only by adopting a gendered perspective from the outset of policy making can we ensure women and marginalised communities are not overlooked. Our interactive, multistakeholder session will convene leaders from government, industry, civil society, academia, and international development to explore effective strategies for advancing gender-inclusive policy making. Looking at concrete member states examples and implementation guardrails, these discussions will focus on harnessing the potential of datafication and digitalisation for gender mainstreaming and transformation across Africa.

To ensure a balanced participation between those attending in-person and those joining remotely, moderators will be instructed before the session to provide sufficient space for virtual attendees. They will allow remote participants to comment and ask questions before those present in the room, who naturally have an advantage. Panelists will be both online and onsite to foster a truly hybrid environment. The online moderator will actively use the chat function to engage with participants. Additionally, at the start of the session, all participants will be reminded to respect others' viewpoints and to follow the IGF’s code of conduct.