The EQUALS Global Partnership launched its 2025 Research Report, titled “Evidence to Impact: Advancing Gender Empowerment in the Digital Age,” at the WSIS Forum 2025. The report focuses on providing fresh global insights into gender and digital transformation, and emphasizes the urgent need for gender-inclusive digital development.
The report is the result of a collective effort to advance the global conversation on digital gender equality, featuring exploratory research, case studies, and evidence-based initiatives from EQUALS partners worldwide.
The EQUALS Research Report 2025 is organized into four thematic sections: Digital Skills, Digital Inclusion and Education, Digital Economy, and AI and Cybersecurity. This report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking the most up-to-date evidence and tools for closing the gender digital divide across multiple levels.
LIRNEasia contributed two chapters to the report, based on the COVID+ surveys as well as our research on women, work and digital platforms.
Gender Gaps in Internet Access and Digital Skills in India and Sri Lanka
Authors: Ayesha Zainudeen, Tharaka Amarasighe, Nipuni Habaragamuwa, Gayani Hurulle, Helani Galpaya, Ruwanka de Silva
This research investigates the persistent gender digital divide across South Asia, using nationally representative survey data from 2021. It examines whether gender intrinsically affects an individual’s likelihood of being online or their digital skill capabilities. The study finds that women continue to lag behind men in technology adoption, including mobile, internet, and digital skills, hindering their access to information, services, and economic opportunities. The paper offers insights for designing inclusive policies to bridge these gaps and advance gender equity in the digital age.
Digitally-Enabled Work Opportunities and Women’s Empowerment
Authors: Ayesha Zainudeen, Isuru Samaratunga, Helani Galpaya, Gayashi Jayasinghe, Ruwanka de Silva, Ramathi Bandaranayake
This study explores how flexible, digitally-enabled work arrangements are affecting women’s economic empowerment in Sri Lanka. Drawing from qualitative interviews, the research highlights both the benefits and challenges of gig and platform work. While flexible work can expand women’s access to income and autonomy, it also risks reinforcing existing gender inequalities. The paper provides recommendations to ensure more equitable labour market outcomes for women in the digital economy.
For those interested, the recording of the report launch event is available here: EQUALS Research Report 2025: Launch & The Path Forward
For a more comprehensive understanding of our work, readers are encouraged to read the full report, particularly Chapters 1.2 and Chapter 3.3.
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