Statement by India under Panel Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms, at  the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 27 September 2021) Statement by India under Panel Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective througho..
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Statement by India under Panel Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms, at  the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 27 September 2021)

 

Statement by India under Panel Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms, at  the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary,

Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 27 September 2021)

 

Madam President,

 

We welcome the panel discussion and the panellists’ views on this important subject. We also thank the High Commissioner for her opening remarks.

 

The gendered digital divide has added to the COVID-19 pandemic’s disproportionate impact on the lives of women and girls. Over the past year and a half, educational institutions, government services and workplaces have used innovative ICT tools to adapt to the situation following the lockdowns imposed around the world. Digital access has become a necessity in this scenario.


Madam President,

 

The Government of India’s Digital India flagship initiative has been promoting digital inclusion and empowerment in the country. Basedon technology, which is low cost and affordable, it has significantly improved the lives of citizens, especially women. It has ensured Government services are available electronically and high-speed internet is provided as a core utility.


A strong foundation has been laid down for ensuring digital financial inclusion for women by linking their mobile phones with their unique identification and bank accounts. It has provided infrastructure for personalized digital financial products and services. This has ensured credit of over USD 4.2 billion by the Government directly in the bank accounts of women beneficiaries as assistance during the lockdown.

 

The CoWINdigital platform has enabled effective administration of the COVID vaccination drive nationally. More than 856 million doses have been administered as of yesterday. Only today, the Government of India has launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It seeks to provide a unique digital health ID to Indian citizens. It will work as their health account to which personal health records can be linked and viewed with the help of a mobile application.


Madam President,

 

We would like to know from the panellists - how could the gender digital divide be bridged further to ensure we build back better and leave no one behind?

I thank you.