1.1 Purpose and objectives

The handbook intends to be a practical tool for policy-makers on how to mainstream gender into current and future digital policies related to fostering connectivity, including areas such as access and adoption/use, public-private partnerships, and programme and project implementation

The handbook presents gender mainstreaming practices from different geographies across the world, collected in close collaboration with the six ITU regional offices.5 The handbook has a global focus, including practices from developed countries, developing countries, and LDCs (a dedicated section). The intention of this work is not to rank countries but, rather, to map gender mainstreaming practices around the world.

The handbook provides guidance and relevant information for policy-makers, especially from developing countries and LDCs. Through its content, they would have elements to base the improvement of existing policies in their countries by learning from the country good practices showcased in this document and addressing the same policy area(s). For instance, policy-makers interested in deepening women and girls’ online safety frameworks can consider the practice from Australia; policy-makers interested on upgrading institutional mechanisms for coordination on gender and digital policies can consider the practice from Chile.

The objectives of the handbook are the following: