On 17th May we’re celebrating World Telecommunication Information Society Day (WTISD), a day that focuses on raising awareness of the power of digital technologies to improve lives and bridge divides. WTISD-25’s theme is gender equality, a crucial focus in the fight for inclusive access to digital tools and opportunities and the cornerstone of the UN SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
We will also be spotlighting Lukas Kariongi’s Orkonerei FM – a community radio station located deep in the Maasai heartlands of Tanzania. Orkonerei FM is fighting for gender and education rights in local communities in the Simanjiro District, helping more children attend school and raising awareness of the importance of education without negating the value of cultural traditions.
What is World Telecommunication Information Society Day?
WTISD celebrates the power and potential of digital technologies. With this year’s theme being gender equality, WTISD-25 is highlighting the fight for equality of access to, and benefits from, telecommunications technology for both men and women.
WTISD was established by the United Nations in 1969 to celebrate the foundation of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the signing of the International Telegraph Convention on 17th May 1865 at the first International Telegraph Conference. The ITU is the United Nations agency for digital technologies. WTISD-25 marks the ITU’s 160th anniversary, highlighting its longstanding role in advancing global connectivity and fostering international cooperation. The ITU:
- Focuses on the digital futures of our societies and worldwide economies, from the Internet to AI and quantum technologies.
- Is committed to ensuring that technological advancements benefit everyone, everywhere. They do this by building a safer, more affordable, accessible, sustainable, resilient and inclusive digital future for all.
2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a global blueprint for advancing women’s rights. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda includes targeted actions to close the digital gender gap – from expanding digital infrastructure to increasing representation in tech leadership.
Fighting for equality through telecommunications
As highlighted in The Community Revolution’s World Press Freedom Day article, Orkonerei FM exemplifies how community-led media can advance WTISD’s mission. Lukas and his colleagues at Orkonerei FM are committed to transforming not only press freedoms but also human rights and gender equality.
Lukas told us that Orkonerei FM’s content promotes “equal rights for men and women in the Maasai land” alongside the “right to send children to school”. He said that the Maasai love their children but worry that sending them to school means losing fundamental cultural values. His radio station focuses on creating positive community change that respects traditions.
Through upholding gender rights, Orkonerei FM can help support a sustainable future where women and men have equal opportunities. With more children, both boys and girls, able to attend school, young people will have better literacy and digital skills, equipping them for life in a developing society.
Why does it matter?
When people, in this case mostly women and girls, lack equality of access to the Internet and digital devices, they are less able to participate in the economy and in creating a digital future. This can result from a lack of education or the prohibitive costs of devices and training.
- Over 2.6 billion people are still unconnected digitally, the majority of whom are women and girls.
- Globally, 70% of men, compared to 65% of women, are using the internet – that means there are 189 million more men using the Internet than women.
Things are improving, but we haven’t reached an equal state of Internet connectivity worldwide. Until we do, we must fight for freedom of access to telecommunications technology.
A gender-divided digital world prohibits equality of access to opportunity, since digital technology has the power to access and support societal development and progress. In bridging this gap, we can unlock new pathways for growth, where women are able to benefit from and contribute equally to progress, innovation and sustainable development.
How does World Telecommunication Information Society Day align with the values of The Community Revolution CIC?
At The Community Revolution CIC, we believe in amplifying community-led media and local voices, challenging structural and gender inequalities and creating platforms for change. We’re proud to share Lukas’ story as part of our mission to empower communities and foster equality through storytelling, training and solidarity. The full interview will be featured in our podcast. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of its publication.
World Telecommunication Information Society Day is a day to stand up for the right to equality of access to digital skills, technologies and opportunities.
TCR projects that help support equality in telecommunications access
1. Digital Skills and Employability Programme
The Digital Skills and Employability Programme equips underrepresented workers, especially ethnic minorities, women and young people, with digital literacy and tech training, opening access to higher-quality, safer jobs.
2. CERC-DL/African SCENe
TCR’s CERC-DL (Community Energy Resource Centre for Digital Learning) initiative aims to bring digital infrastructure and capacity building programmes to communities facing challenges accessing clean, affordable energy. Its purpose is to facilitate community learning and digital literacy.
The African SCENe is just one project that forms part of the wider CERC-DL initiative.
Join our community
Let’s celebrate WTISD today. Join our community in standing up for the right to technology, digital skills and opportunity!
Follow us on social media for updates. Take part in live community engagement sessions, subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed and motivated, and explore ways of contributing to our ongoing projects.
Together, we can close the digital divide.
Reference information
- Telecommunication Day (UN) – https://www.un.org/en/observances/telecommunication-day
- World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 (ITU) – https://www.itu.int/wtisd/
