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2025.05.17
Seoul
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
Olga Pynenkova
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), originally established as World Telecommunication Day, has been observed annually on May 17 since 1969. It serves as a global reminder of the transformative potential of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) in building a sustainable, inclusive, and knowledge-based society. It is also an occasion to raise awareness of the ongoing digital divide and the urgent need to bridge it.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the United Nations agency for digital technologies, marking its 160th anniversary in 2025 – there are persistent inequalities in global Internet access, shaped by both geography and income level. For instance, in 2024, approximately 92% of men and 90% of women in Europe use the Internet, compared to only 43% of men and 31% of women in Africa. A similar pattern exists across income groups: while Internet usage among high-income populations is nearly universal (94% of men and 93% of women), usage drops sharply among low-income populations, with only 32% of men and 21% of women connected.
These figures also highlight a continuing gender gap in digital access. Globally, 70% of men were online in 2024, compared to 65% of women – a difference of 189 million users. While this gap has narrowed from 277 million in 2021, it remains deeply entrenched, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In LDCs, just 29% of women have Internet access, compared to 41% of men. Moreover, the divide extends beyond connectivity to include disparities in affordability, digital literacy, participation in STEM education, and leadership roles within the tech industry.
In light of these challenges, the theme for WTISD 2025 focuses on promoting digital gender equality – ensuring that women and girls around the world have equal access to ICTs and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to digital transformation. The ITU has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing this issue through a range of targeted initiatives, including Women in Cybersecurity, Girls Can Code, Talking Tech, and specialized projects in LDCs aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship for women. The ITU160 Gender Champions initiative also continues to advocate for inclusive leadership in the digital space.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes, a digital future that leaves half of humanity behind is simply unacceptable. Achieving a truly inclusive digital society requires urgent and coordinated efforts from governments, private sector actors, civil society, and international organizations. This means investing in digital education for all, eliminating barriers to women’s full participation in the tech sector, and addressing gender-based violence both online and offline.
Written by Olga Pynenkova for Yonsei GSIS Human Rights Hub
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