APEC explores ways to strengthen women's engagement in digital economy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are exploring ways to strengthen women's engagement in the digital economy, the green transition, and entrepreneurship.

This effort comes as policymakers and experts examine how structural barriers continue to limit economic opportunities for women across the Asia-Pacific, according to an APEC press release on Thursday.

"Women are a critical force for economic growth in the Asia-Pacific, playing a unique and indispensable role in our shared prosperity,” said Zhang Jianmin, Interim Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy.

"As the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation deepens, innovation-driven digital, intelligent, and green transitions have become new growth points for APEC member economies," she added.

During a meeting in Shanghai, officials from APEC’s Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy discussed policy approaches to expand women’s leadership, improve access to emerging industries, and support more inclusive economic growth amid rapid technological and environmental change.

Less than 30 percent of women participate in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields across APEC economies, according to the APEC Women and the Economy Dashboard, limiting women's involvement in the digital economy and the creation of inclusive technological systems.

Given this urgent challenge, the plenary discussions focused on the growing role of women in the digital economy and AI, with economies examining how to increase women’s participation and leadership in technology-driven sectors while addressing persistent gaps in digital skills, access, and representation.

From offering free programming courses for women of all ages to coaching on e-commerce platforms for women entrepreneurs, APEC economies are already boosting women's digital literacy.

Baca juga: APEC strengthens regional ties to maintain food security, trade

Participants also highlighted the importance of ensuring women benefit from the region’s green transition, including through greater access to opportunities in sustainability-related industries and leadership in environmental innovation.

To increase women's employment and entrepreneurship, economies collaborated on a range of initiatives including regulatory frameworks, financial mentorship programs, and improved sex-disaggregated data collection.

Alongside policy discussions, APEC economies also underscored the importance of stronger research and evidence-based policymaking to better understand the barriers women continue to face across the region.

Baca juga: Ambisi perdagangan inklusif dari Indonesia di KTT APEC Gyeongju

"APEC has made meaningful progress in advancing women’s economic empowerment, but gaps in data, implementation, and outcomes remain," said Rhea Crisologo Hernando of the APEC Policy Support Unit.

"More targeted and outcome-oriented research is needed to help economies design interventions that deliver measurable impact," she added.