Page 15 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

The transformative potential of virtual worlds should not be limited to
technological solutions but must also be used to positively transform
society, including the achievement of gender equality. It is important
to actively address biases in enabling technologies such as AI and
ensure equal access, to support increased women's participation and
leadership in the development of new virtual world technologies [b-UN
Women].

As the metaverse and other virtual worlds evolve, it is crucial to address gender biases and
stereotypes that may be perpetuated through the design, development and deployment of
metaverse technologies. Concerted efforts should be made to involve diverse perspectives in
the development process to ensure that digital platforms and applications cater to the needs
and interests of all users while remaining safe from online sexual harassment and discrimination
[b-IPI Global Observatory].

Addressing the digital gender divide and promoting equal access to virtual worlds platforms
is another challenge. Women and girls may face barriers, including limited access to digital
technologies, lower digital literacy rates, and social and cultural norms that restrict their
participation in digital spaces. Bridging the digital gender divide requires targeted interventions
such as providing digital skills training and promoting inclusive policies that facilitate equal
access and opportunities for women and girls to engage with digital technologies [b-OECD].

The metaverse and other virtual worlds present an opportunity to encourage women's
participation and leadership in metaverse development and content creation. Creating an
inclusive and supportive environment will allow women to contribute their talents, perspectives
and creativity to the metaverse ecosystem. The metaverse can also be utilized to promote
gender equality through educational initiatives, raising awareness about women's rights and
empowerment, as well as creating virtual spaces that provide support and resources for women
facing gender-based violence or discrimination.

Virtual worlds offer opportunities to promote women's participation in STEM fields by providing
interactive and engaging learning experiences that inspire girls to pursue careers in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics. The creation of an avatar also helps women to
present individual identities and positively contributes to their self-esteem [b-World Economic
Forum].

Case study: Zero Tolerance for Harassment: VR and Direct Training in Garment Factories
The “Zero Tolerance of Sexual Harassment” project of International Training Centre of the
International Labour Organization (ITCILO) combined VR and face-to-face training to reduce
harassment in Jakarta's garment sector. Created with International Labour Organization
Bangkok and BodySwaps, it allowed managers and HR staff to practice interventions in VR
scenarios. The training, which includes self-assessment and traditional methods, has improved
workplace safety by enhancing empathy and response tactics. [b-ITCILO]

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