Why Women?

Women play a pivotal role in education and their households. As educators and caregivers, women influence the next generation, shaping mindsets and behaviors. By equipping women with skills in Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and sustainability, we empower them to create more engaging, innovative, and environmentally conscious learning experiences.

What Can Be the Impact of Women in Education and Their Lives?

Women educators, when proficient in VR, AI, and sustainability, can revolutionize classrooms by introducing cutting-edge technology and fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues. This not only enhances their professional growth but also positions them as role models, inspiring students—especially young girls—to pursue STEM fields.

Why Do Women Have So Much Impact in Their Households?

Women often manage household decisions and can influence sustainable practices at home. By understanding and applying concepts of sustainability, they can lead by example, promoting eco-friendly behaviors within their families and communities.

Why Do Women Need to Know About Sustainability, Virtual Reality, and AI?

Understanding these areas enables women to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital world, contribute to a more sustainable future, and ensure they and their families are not left behind in the technological revolution. Knowledge in these fields empowers them to drive change both in educational settings and within their homes, ultimately leading to a broader societal impact.

Statistics

The digital divide, a critical social phenomenon, refers to the unequal access to digital technologies among different social groups. This divide is exacerbated by limited access to devices, products, and services related to information and communication technologies (ICT), as well as varying levels of digital literacy and competency in using technology effectively (Abu-Shanab & Al-Jamal, 2015). International organizations and researchers have extensively studied this issue, highlighting the balance between technological development and access, and its impact on society (European Institute for Gender Equality, 2019; International Telecommunication Union, 2020; Huyer & Sikoska, 2018; United Nations, 2020; World Bank Group, 2020; Alozie & Akpan-Obong, 2017; Bala & Singhal, 2018; Trivedi, 2018; Singh & Pathak, 2020).

Gender Gap in VR and AI

Statistics reveal a notable gender gap in the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Among VR users, 60% are men while only 40% are women, indicating a 20% gap in engagement with this technology (Tech Tips with Tea). In the realm of AI, men are slightly more aware and engaged with AI technologies compared to women. For instance, 38% of men are aware of AI compared to 23% of women, and men use AI-driven tools more frequently than women (Pew Research Center, 2023; AIPRM).

Implications of the Gender Gap

Limited Technological Integration: Women educators, being less familiar with VR and AI, may struggle to incorporate these tools into their teaching. This limits their ability to offer students innovative and immersive learning experiences.
Missed Innovation Opportunities: The lower engagement of women with these technologies can stifle innovation in educational practices. Diverse perspectives are crucial for creating effective and inclusive teaching methods.
Reinforcement of Gender Imbalance in STEM: The technology gap contributes to the broader gender disparity in STEM fields. By not engaging with VR and AI, women educators may inadvertently dissuade female students from pursuing technology-related careers.
Impact on Student Engagement: Students might miss out on the benefits of interactive and engaging learning experiences if their educators are not well-versed in VR and AI, potentially affecting their motivation and learning outcomes.

Addressing the Gender Digital Divide (GDD)

The GDD is further complicated by various barriers, including gender discrimination in education and employment, a lack of female role models in technology, and unequal distribution of resources (Elena-Bucea et al., 2021). Women often face greater obstacles in accessing technology and developing digital skills, which impacts their participation in tech-related fields and their representation in the technology industry (Choi et al., 2020; Jiang & Luh, 2017). Economic constraints, gender stereotypes, and cultural norms also restrict women's participation in technology-based education and careers (Banerjee, 2019).

The GDD significantly hinders women's full participation in the digital world, affecting their economic opportunities and contributions to society (Kuroda et al., 2019). Additionally, digital harassment and violence further limit women's ability to engage in decision-making and fully utilize digital platforms. Educational contexts also reveal a lack of gender-sensitive materials and girls' disinterest in IT professions (Alozie & Akpan-Obong, 2017; Bikos, Stamovlasis & Tzifopoulos, 2018; Zhang, Wang & Liu, 2020).