ICT and digital literacy are transforming the quality of life and social well-being, powering growth and development of individuals and community. Over 90% of jobs worldwide already have a digital component and most jobs will soon require sophisticated digital skills1. Knowledge about digital financial services, including digital money transfers and online banking; skills to handle various kinds of online forms; skills to handle web search and other forms of online communication are essential for connecting with the world and can also act as a catalyst to acquire other important life skills, therefore, ICT related skills are to be treated as basic needs and rights for social and economic empowerment.

The digital divide is a significant relative deprivation primarily affecting those already disadvantaged segments of the people who are unable to access or afford technology due to certain characteristics like gender, age, socioeconomic factors, place of residence (urban/rural), disability and levels of literacy. Digital exclusion has many causes. Hurdles to access including affordability, (lack of) education and skills and technological literacy, and inherent biases and socio-cultural norms, are at the root of digital exclusion.

Sparked by the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, CARE Jordan is embarking on a digital transformation of its services. This includes the way we communicate and engage with program participants. To ensure that we do not exacerbate the digital divide, or the negative impacts that it can be associated with – such as access to services, personal safety, and illiteracy – this gender and inclusion analysis will assess the different needs of women, men, youth, elderly and people with disabilities (PWDs) and provide recommendations on how to implement gender responsive and inclusive programming.