We are pleased to announce the launch of the Digital Gender Gap Audit research for Peru. The research was carried out by Hiperderecho, a Peruvian nonprofit organization that strongly believes that technology has the potential to be a tool for social inclusion and transformation for those who use it. In-depth interviews were carried out with government representatives, academia and activists in Peru to assess ICT policy measures on five themes:

1. Internet access and women’s empowerment
2. Affordability
3. Digital Skills and Education
4. Relevant Content and Services
5. Online Safety

In Peru, public policy analysis in the ICT sector often excludes the important relationship between gender and technology. Hiperderecho’s new research report — Are we connected? The digital gender gap in Peru — arises from the need to make visible how internet access is strongly influenced by socio-economic, non-technical factors such as gender, economic status and language. 

It was concluded that women currently face structural inequalities that not only restrict their access to the internet but also their reasons for using it. In addition, the government plays a limited role in encouraging the development of online content and services that respond to the needs of girls and women. Thus, the options of what to do on the internet; the skills needed to use the internet for social and economic empowerment; and experiences of online violence faced by women all limit the potential for technology to be a tool of empowerment for women and girls.

Hiperderecho presents an Action Plan to close the digital gender gap in Peru. The following recommendations highlight steps that the government of Peru must carry out to achieve digital gender equality. 

1. Collect national data on gender and ICTs: analyze how access and the use of technology play a role in inequalities and gender violence, using a rights-based approach.
2. Integrate digital skills into the education system: digital skills and technology education must be universally accessible, and include an intersectional and multicultural approach.
3. Develop strategies and public policies with a gender perspective: create gender-specific goals and objectives for policies related to technology, broadband and internet infrastructure.
4. Promote digital abilities of girls and women to create more content: support women and girls to develop content, applications and services that are relevant and empowering according to their needs and interests.
5. Consult with women’s and LGTBQI+ groups on the best mechanisms.
6. Ensure access to justice: propose specific national strategies according to the contexts of people in vulnerable situations to promote a greater use of technology in a safe space.

Marieliv Flores, Activism Director of Hiperderecho, said:

“Having internet access, the possibility of acquiring it and developing skills to be able to enjoy it are key factors, but so is recognizing the difficulties women face when they are online.”

The Digital Gender Gap Audit framework is part of the Women’s Rights Online initiative. The research assesses government actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on women and technology and highlights the steps needed to close digital gender divide. Women’s Rights Online Digital Gender Gap Audit research has been carried out in eighteen countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.  

About Hiperderecho: Hiperderecho is a Peruvian nonprofit civil association dedicated to research, facilitate public understanding and promote respect for rights and freedoms in digital environments.

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