Key DCO Initiative

Observatory for Digital
Empowerment

The DCO Observatory for Digital Empowerment is a recognition by the DCO member states that current cultural, societal, economic and regulatory factors are limiting the empowerment of certain groups in the digital economy and furthering the digital divide.

Finding satisfactory solutions to these ongoing issues will be a main priority of the DCO and the Observatory going forward. The DCO Observatory for Digital Empowerment will promote programs to increase digital access and inclusion – especially among women, youth and entrepreneurs. It will monitor the empowerment status of these key groups, plan actions that address gaps, and advocate through member country representatives toward consensus on needed actions.

Given that women are half the population, the DCO Observatory for Digital Empowerment will start by addressing this group first with its functions and activity areas, including indicator monitoring, empowerment planning, policy advocacy and a digital ombudsman.