Digital technology is transforming economies and societies in profound ways. The proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is creating created new opportunities for young people around the world to engage in digital work.
What are Digital Jobs?
Digital jobs are not only limited to work within the IT industry (e.g. software development, hardware design, networking), but also includes work where ICTs enable workers to find paid work online (e.g. data entry, image categorization, graphic design, office assistance) as well as traditional jobs which have been increasingly enhanced by ICTs (including e-commerce platforms and on-demand services).
Developing countries – especially those facing a youth bulge – must take advantage of the opportunities of digital jobs, while also preparing for the coming effects of technological change. Societies must also take steps to address the gender digital divide, which limits the ability of girls and young women to participate in the digital economy.
But how?
S4YE’s 2018 flagship report, Digital Jobs for Youth: Young Women in the Digital Economy, provides policy recommendations for the design and implementation of digital jobs programs for youth that are inclusive of young women. The report extracts insights from 19 case studies based on past and ongoing employment programs that connect youth – especially young women – with digital job opportunities.
