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Women, Tech and Humanitarian Responses

By Mia Zickerman-White

In an era marked by escalating humanitarian crises, the role of technology in response efforts has become critical. From early warning systems to data-driven decision-making, technology is transforming how aid and assistance is delivered in crisis situations. 

Amid this technological advancement, the unique challenges faced by women often remain overlooked. As primary caregivers and community leaders, women are essential to the resilience and recovery of families during emergencies and beyond. Since humanitarian crises can exacerbate existing gender inequalities, it is vital to consider women’s perspectives and needs in tech-driven solutions. 

Technology is increasingly used to provide access to essential assistance and services within humanitarian contexts.

Tech in a crisis

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), nearly 300 million people globally need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2024. In response to ongoing conflicts and crises, the humanitarian sector is turning to digital technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. Present in various forms – from the digitisation of data analysis to the use of biometrics to deliver assistance – these digital tools are creating solutions to address pressing challenges. 

From the outset of a crisis, technology can help save lives by providing access to early warnings and key information. Thereafter, it supports access to assistance and key services, and connects humanitarian agencies directly with communities. Artificial intelligence can also facilitate analysis and the interpretation of datasets to strengthen decision-making.  

When using technology in a crisis, it’s crucial to consider how women within a community interact with it

Key players

When crisis strikes responses are often gender-blind and hindered by not considering women’s unique role. Women are often first responders in a crisis and play a central role in the survival and resilience of families and communities. Studies show that when women are included in humanitarian action, the entire community benefits.  

As outlined by UN Women, humanitarian crises can exacerbate existing gender inequalities. Not only do women often suffer from increased risks of gender-based violence and physical insecurity, but they can also face exclusion from life-saving services and decision-making processes due to discriminatory social norms.  

When using technology in a crisis, it’s crucial to consider how women within a community interact with it.  

The digital divide

Beyond the ever-growing digital divide facing low-income countries across the globe, a further divide exists: the digital gender divide.  

Girls and women often have reduced access to technology and the internet compared to boys and men. UNICEF reported that where 78% of adolescent boys and men aged 15-24 in low-income countries are offline, 90% of adolescent girls and young women of the same age are offline. Where internet access is available, only 65 young women have digital skills for every 100 young men.  

This reduced access can be attributed to several factors, including stereotypes that technology is ‘for boys’, or women’s inability to afford technology or the internet. For example, women are often in the lowest-paid jobs, typically earning 24% less than men. The impact of this can be seen in mobile phone ownership: A study of connectivity in refugee settlements in Jordan and Uganda, found rates of mobile ownership in refugee populations were lower among women. And, where household affordability only allows for one mobile, men can be favoured for ownership over women due to patriarchal norms. 

This digital gender divide impacts the success of humanitarian responses: where women’s access to the internet, mobile phones or digital literacy is restricted, they may not get disaster alerts which could put them and their families’ lives at risk. Women may also subsequently face barriers to aid or essential information.  

This divide leaves marginalised groups further excluded and vulnerable, especially if aid efforts focus on deploying the latest tools without considering digital inclusion.  

Empowering women as users of technology is key to driving innovative humanitarian solutions.

Behind the scenes

Shifting the digital divide goes beyond women’s access to digital tools: it also involves including women in tech development. Creating tools that reflect women’s experiences and needs is essential not only in a crisis, but in general, and this demands the inclusion of female perspectives in the development process.  

Unfortunately, women remain a minority in jobs driving the digital revolution. According to a report by The World Bank, women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields. Female workers also account for just 22% of people working in artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide.  

Creating tools that connect with and reflect women’s experiences and needs is essential not only in a crisis, but in general, and this demands the inclusion of female perspectives in the development process.  

Economic empowerment 

Beyond humanitarian needs, digital literacy and access to technology is an integral part of tackling gender disparity, particularly economic empowerment. With limited access to technology or internet infrastructure, women are unable to participate fully in the digital economy. This can result in them missing out, such as on job opportunities, or for women entrepreneurs, accessing digital markets and innovation opportunities that support business growth.  

Similarly, technology can offer women greater economic independence and security, such as through mobile payments and banking. For example, UN Women Jordan, in collaboration with WFP, introduced blockchain technology to support Syrian refugee women in its cash-for-work program. This system stores their earnings on blockchain, allowing women to access funds using iris scans at WFP supermarkets for cash or goods. Only the designated beneficiary can withdraw the money, giving them control, agency, and flexibility over their income. The digital wallet also provides a safer alternative to cash payments, and ensures secure and reliable access to funds, even in hard-to-reach areas. 

Closing the gap

Ensuring that women have the tools and resources they need to navigate crises is essential to their lives and the lives of entire communities. As we continue to navigate new and improved ways to respond to worldwide disasters and conflicts, prioritising women’s access to and use of technology stands out as a vital strategy.