IWD Special Edition + Digital, Tech, Ai, Social Media News

The digital news roundup is back going out to 55,000 of you in Digital and Tech. The first issue back is highlighting stories we've found around women in Digital. Each story is summarised so you don't have to go and find the news yourself. One letter each week with everything you need to know.

We'll be sharing this roundup each Thursday.

This week in the digital and tech landscape, the IWD special edition shines a spotlight on the remarkable strides women are making across various sectors. From groundbreaking digital art exhibitions celebrating women's creativity to pivotal discussions on gender equality in the Global Digital Compact, the narrative is clear:

women are not just participants but leaders in shaping the future.

AI's ascendancy offers both opportunities and challenges, with its potential to surpass human intelligence by 2027 demanding ethical considerations and inclusive strategies. As digital tools unlock economic empowerment and cybersecurity acknowledges the untapped potential of women, the push for digital literacy and the fight against digital violence underscore the urgent need for inclusive policies. This panorama of innovation, empowerment, and advocacy underscores a transformative era where women's contributions are integral to driving technological and social progress.

The news

Tech & Digital - IWD Special News

• Illuminating Innovation: Digital Art Showcasing Women in Technology The University of Nottingham and King’s College London are celebrating International Women’s Day with "GLOW: Illuminating Innovation," a groundbreaking digital art exhibition. This exhibition celebrates the significant contributions of women to technology and digital creativity, featuring new and historical works that span five decades. It includes augmented reality experiences, 3D animations, sculptures, and a major immersive installation, all focusing on digital creativity by women.
• Digital Women Speaker Hub Creation: Responding to the issue of tech conferences inventing female speakers, Digital Women launched a speaker hub. This platform is open to everyone, inviting you to showcase your expertise at various events. Get started by creating your profile here.
• Gender Equality in the Global Digital Compact UN Women advocates for integrating gender equality at the core of the Global Digital Compact, suggesting a dual approach to empower women and girls digitally. This includes a dedicated goal for gender equality, addressing freedom from technology-facilitated gender-based violence, equitable education, and economic opportunities, along with equal participation in leadership. The strategy aims to mainstream gender considerations across the digital governance framework, building on the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure an inclusive digital future.
• Women in Qatar Leading Digital and Sustainable Change In Qatar, women are breaking barriers in digital innovation, sustainability, and fashion, inspiring progress across sectors. From leading digital transformation initiatives in government to advocating for sustainable water policies and fostering inclusivity in fashion, these women are key figures in Qatar's journey towards modernisation and empowerment. Their efforts underscore the vital role of women in driving technological, environmental, and social advancements.
• Empowering Young Women's Voices Online Essence's Girls United is making waves by offering a safe and vibrant digital community for young Black women. This platform encourages discussions on culture, entertainment, entrepreneurship, relationships, and politics. It empowers Gen Z voices through guidance in fashion, astrology, culture, and more, providing a space for growth, learning, and community building among young women who are keen to make their mark in the world.
• Digital Literacy and AI Empowerment in Swat In Swat, Pakistan, women's rights activists demand equal opportunities for women in digital literacy, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence to help them meet modern requirements. At a seminar titled ‘Empower Women, Empower the Future,’ organisers highlighted the need for modern education and skills in various fields to empower women. The call for action underscores the importance of providing women with the necessary tools and education to succeed in a digitally evolving world.
• Digital Tools: A Gateway to Women's Economic Empowerment On International Women's Day, the spotlight is on digital tools' vital role in bringing more women into the economy, supporting business and livelihood growth. Despite the proliferation of digital financial services, millions of women remain excluded from formal financial systems. Empowering them through digital banking services and financial literacy tools is essential for their economic participation. Good Return's initiatives, including financial literacy training and the My Money Tracker app, are highlighted as successful examples of bridging this gap.
• Building an Inclusive Digital Future on International Women's Day Hindustan Times explores the impact of digital literacy and empowerment among women in India, highlighting the pivotal role it plays in enhancing employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth. By improving digital literacy, women can gain financial independence, participate more fully in the formal economy, and challenge gender stereotypes, particularly in rural areas. Initiatives like the PMGDisha program, Mann Deshi Mahila Shakti foundation, and "Internet Saathi" are vital in closing the digital divide and promoting gender equality in the digital space.
• The Untapped Potential of Women in CybersecurityChannelLife Australia emphasises the importance of diversifying the cybersecurity workforce to innovate and strengthen digital defenses against evolving cyber threats. Despite the industry's growth, women remain underrepresented, comprising only a small fraction of the workforce. The article argues that including more women in cybersecurity can bring fresh perspectives, enhance problem-solving, and create more effective strategies against cybercrime. It advocates for breaking away from traditional biases and opening the field to individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills.
• Why Young Women Choose Digital Financial ProductsLivemint outlines five main reasons why young women prefer digital financial products: speed, ease of use, AI and analytics-based services, user-friendly interfaces, and round-the-clock customer service. These factors cater to their need for quick, accessible, and personalised financial solutions, which support their entry into the workforce, manage finances effectively, and engage with financial products that align with their life goals and needs.
• Combatting Digital Violence Against Women in Moldova The Moldovan Parliament, with the support of the Council of Europe and UNFPA Moldova, initiated discussions to address digital violence against women. Highlighting the need for legal framework adaptation, the initiative aims to implement mechanisms, training programs, and public awareness campaigns. A comprehensive study presented at the event outlines recommendations for legislative adjustments in alignment with the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).
• OSCE Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Central Asia with Digital SkillsThe OSCE launched the Central Asian Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme titled “Strengthening the Digital Skills of Women Entrepreneurs”. This initiative aims to enhance the digital capabilities of women-led businesses in Central Asia, covering topics like online marketplaces, social media marketing, and digital business management tools. The programme, which includes workshops and mentoring sessions, will support women entrepreneurs in developing and scaling their businesses using digital technology.
• Celebrating TfW’s STEM Women: Helen Mitchell's JourneyTransport for Wales (TfW) is spotlighting Helen Mitchell, the Head of Digital Programmes, for her contributions to the STEM field. Mitchell's team has been recognised for their innovative work in developing new gateline technology and the TfW Customer App, which have significantly enhanced the customer experience. Her journey, beginning over 20 years ago in a male-dominated industry, showcases her passion for geography, technology, and making a difference in the transport sector through digital transformation.
• Digital Health Exclusion Risks in Sweden Highlighted by WHOA WHO study reveals that women in Sweden, especially those over 75, face higher risks of digital health exclusion compared to men, impacting their ability to benefit from digital health technologies. This issue also affects individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions, emphasising the need for targeted efforts to improve digital health literacy and access among vulnerable populations, aligning with global health agendas.
• Huawei's Digital Skills Program for Women in Bulgaria Huawei has launched a digital skills program in Bulgaria aimed at empowering women by enhancing their participation in the tech sector. This initiative, in cooperation with Bulgaria's Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and the University of Telecommunications, focuses on boosting the digital skills of Bulgarian women to increase their opportunities in the labor market. The program includes basic digital skills training, aiming to improve employment prospects and confidence among women in building their futures in technology.
• AI Unveils Elliptic Curve 'MurmurationsResearchers have discovered unexpected patterns, termed "murmurations," in elliptic curves using AI, linking complex mathematical structures with aesthetic, bird-like formations. This breakthrough, blending number theory and statistical techniques, could illuminate unknown aspects of mathematics, including the enigmatic behaviour of these curves in number systems and their significant role in modern cryptography and mathematical theories.
• AI Prompt Engineering: The Next High-Paying Career Forbes reports on the rise of AI prompt engineering as a lucrative career path. As AI technologies evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can craft effective prompts to guide AI responses has skyrocketed. This role not only requires a deep understanding of AI capabilities but also creativity and insight into human-AI interaction, highlighting its significance in shaping the future of technology and communication.
• Top Scientist Predicts AI to Surpass Human Intelligence by 2027 The Daily Mail covers a prediction by a leading scientist that AI will surpass human intelligence by 2027. This forecast underscores the rapid advancements in AI capabilities and the potential for AI to impact various aspects of life, from work to daily decision-making. The prediction raises important discussions on the future of AI-human interaction and the ethical considerations of AI development.
• Nature: The Ethics of AI in Scientific Research Nature explores the ethical dimensions of using AI in scientific research. The article delves into how AI can accelerate discoveries but also presents challenges in terms of transparency, data integrity, and the potential for misuse. The piece calls for a balanced approach to AI application in science, ensuring that ethical considerations keep pace with technological advancements.
• The Financial Times on AI's Economic Impact The Financial Times examines the economic implications of AI advancements. The discussion centers on how AI is transforming industries, creating new job categories while rendering others obsolete. The article emphasizes the need for policies that support workforce transitions and promote equitable access to the opportunities AI presents.
• BBC Business: The Role of AI in Modern Workplaces BBC Business discusses AI's transforming role in workplaces, highlighting how it enhances efficiency and innovation. The coverage points to AI's ability to automate routine tasks, allowing humans to focus on complex challenges. It also addresses the importance of adapting to AI integration for future job security and career development.
• BBC Newsround: Kids' Perspectives on AI BBC Newsround presents children's views on AI, revealing both excitement and concerns. Kids express awe at AI's capabilities in gaming and learning aids, while voicing apprehension about privacy and the digital divide. The report underscores the importance of involving younger generations in conversations about AI's future.
• AI in American Politics BBC News explores AI's growing influence in American politics, from campaign strategies to policy formulation. The piece highlights AI's potential to reshape political engagement, offering tools for data analysis and voter outreach. However, it also cautions against the risks of manipulation and misinformation.
• Legal Futures: AI's Role in Law Practice Legal Futures reports on predictions that soon, not using AI in legal practice could be considered negligent. The Master of the Rolls emphasized AI's potential to streamline legal processes, improve access to justice, and enhance the quality of legal advice, marking a significant shift in the legal profession's approach to technology.
• AI's Impact on Society BBC Technology delves into AI's broader societal impact, discussing its role in shaping culture, ethics, and human interaction. The article points to the need for responsible AI development and the importance of safeguarding against biases and ensuring transparency in AI systems.
• Managing AI's 'Side Effects' in Business Forbes discusses the challenges businesses face in integrating AI, likening it to managing the side effects of a powerful drug. The piece advises companies on navigating the pitfalls of AI adoption, such as ethical dilemmas and workforce displacement, while leveraging its transformative potential for innovation and competitiveness.

And from The Digital Women Community:

Speaker Hub Creation: Responding to the issue of tech conferences inventing female speakers, we've launched a speaker hub. This platform is open to everyone, inviting you to showcase your expertise at various events. Get started by creating your profile here.

Digital Women Awards Nominations Open: Nominations for the Digital Women Awards are now open. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate inspiring women within our community. Everyone is encouraged to nominate someone impactful or even themselves. Start nominating here.

Exclusive offerings for our members include:

Exclusive Workshops: Our CPD accredited workshops, including the latest on "Intro to AI" and "Business Planning," are designed to enhance your professional skills. Not a member yet? Learn more about the course and?Join us today.

Member Events: Join us for a special gathering on the 18th March at Millennium Point in Birmingham. This event is free for members. For non-members interested in attending, tickets are available at ￡50+VAT. A great chance to connect and learn. Reserve your spot here.

Private Members' Slack Channel: Our vibrant community awaits in our members-only Slack channel, a hub for networking, support, and exclusive insights.

Digital Women Live Video Sessions: Insightful video sessions from our Digital Women Live event are available to members, covering topics like AI, copywriting, menstrual health, and more.

In addition, we're supporting the International Women's Day 2024 UN Women's campaign: "Invest in women: Accelerate progress." Although we've chosen not to host our own event on this day, our commitment to advocating for women's issues continues throughout the year. Learn more about the campaign here.

Team Membership Discount: Interested in providing access to these benefits for your entire team? We offer a team discount for all women in your organisation, enriching their professional journey with our resources, network, and opportunities. Let's discuss company memberships. Above all, we're a community.?

For any questions or to request a training or feature, please don't hesitate to contact us via email at [email protected].

Thank you for reading, and always remember to keep shining bright like the brilliant star you are! See you next Thursday! ??

Take care, Lucy (Connect with me) Founder and Community Lead - Digital Women & SocialDay

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Stories in this Letter:

• Illuminating Innovation: Digital Art Showcasing Women in Technology
• Gender Equality in the Global Digital Compact
• Women in Qatar Leading Digital and Sustainable Change
• Empowering Young Women's Voices Online
• Digital Literacy and AI Empowerment in Swat
• Digital Tools: A Gateway to Women's Economic Empowerment
• Building an Inclusive Digital Future on International Women's Day
• The Untapped Potential of Women in Cybersecurity
• Why Young Women Choose Digital Financial Products
• Combatting Digital Violence Against Women in Moldova
• OSCE Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Central Asia with Digital Skills
• Celebrating TfW’s STEM Women: Helen Mitchell's Journey
• Digital Health Exclusion Risks in Sweden Highlighted by WHO
• Huawei's Digital Skills Program for Women in Bulgaria
• AI Unveils Elliptic Curve 'Murmurations'
• AI Prompt Engineering: The Next High-Paying Career
• Top Scientist Predicts AI to Surpass Human Intelligence by 2027
• Nature: The Ethics of AI in Scientific Research
• The Financial Times on AI's Economic Impact
• BBC Business: The Role of AI in Modern Workplaces
• BBC Newsround: Kids' Perspectives on AI
• BBC News: AI in American Politics
• Legal Futures: AI's Role in Law Practice
• BBC Technology: AI's Impact on Society
• Forbes: Managing AI's 'Side Effects' in Business