On 1 December 2025, the International Gender Champions (IGC) Secretariat hosted a “Lunch & Learn” session titled Uploading Gender Equality: Standardising Rights in the Digital Era at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. The event brought together experts, policy makers, and members of the IGC community to discuss gendered dimensions of artificial intelligence and the critical importance of developing for gender-responsive global digital standards.
The discussion drew inspiration from the 2024 Global Digital Compact, endorsed by 93 Member States, which identifies gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the digital space as central to sustainable development. However, persistent gender gaps in digital access, participation, and governance continue to undermine these goals. A study found that about 44 percent of 133 examined AI systems demonstrated gender bias in their behaviour, underscoring persistent structural problems in AI design and deployment. These concerns have grown more acute with the rise of AI-based image and deepfake technologies, which are frequently used in ways that disproportionately harm women and raise serious risks for their privacy and safety.
Three expert speakers shared their insights on how to address these challenges through international cooperation and standard setting. Catherine Bischofberger from the International Electrotechnical Commission highlighted how gender-responsive technical standards can mitigate bias and create safer digital environments for women and girls. Dr. Fabian Lütz from the University of Lausanne reflected on the regulatory and legal dimensions of AI governance, presenting the current state of play and emphasizing the need for dedicated gender equality frameworks. Sylvia Poll Ahrens, Head of the Gender and Youth Office at the International Telecommunication Union, discussed the importance of empowering women in digital decision-making processes, and presented ITU’s ongoing efforts in this regard, like the Network of Women for Standardization.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in an interactive discussion on existing gaps and practical ways to close the gender digital divide. The exchange reinforced the need to ensure that women’s voices are meaningfully represented in standard-setting processes, from AI regulation to data protection design. There was broad agreement that digital equality cannot be achieved through technology alone; it demands inclusive policymaking, diverse leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. The event concluded with a collective call to ensure that gender equality remains at the core of the international digital agenda.