Suhuruliya 2.0 national digital strategy for women development 2024–2026

The Suhuruliya 2.0 strategy represents a transformative effort to empower women in Sri Lanka, bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusion in the digital economy. By enhancing digital skills, fostering opportunities in technology, and addressing barriers to participation, this strategy paves the way for a more equitable and innovative future. This policy aims to address the gender digital divide in Sri Lanka by empowering women through digital competencies. Its scope extends to all women, encompassing diverse demographics such as entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and marginalised groups. The primary purpose is to ensure gender equality in technology, enabling women to contribute to and benefit from the digital economy. The strategy highlights the significance of collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, private organisations, and community groups in achieving its objectives. It envisions creating a future where women are active innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the digital landscape.

Vision and mission

The vision of the Suhuruliya 2.0 strategy is to empower women to realise their potential in the digital economy. It aspires to create a society where women actively and effectively engage with technology, benefiting from and contributing to the next industrial revolution.

The mission centers on developing digital competencies among women through structured interventions, collaboration, and policy reforms. By addressing systemic barriers, the strategy ensures that all women—irrespective of their background—can participate in and thrive within the digital landscape.

Strategic objectives

• To enhance the capacity of women entrepreneurs to utilise digital technologies, increasing their contributions to GDP and expanding their global reach.
• To promote STEM education among women, aiming to increase participation from 16% to 45% by 2026.
• To raise the economically active female population from 34% to 50% through targeted programs.
• To increase female representation in the ICT workforce from 34% to 40%.
• To achieve 100% digital literacy among female government officials by 2026.
• To provide digital skills training to specialised segments, including women in non-ICT industries, disabled individuals, and overseas workers.
• To train one million women in online safety, fostering secure participation in the digital ecosystem.

National Digital Strategy 2030

The Suhuruliya 2.0 strategy aligns with the broader objectives of the National Digital Strategy 2030, which seeks to transform Sri Lanka into a leading digital economy in Asia-Pacific. This policy emphasises inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens benefit from the opportunities presented by the digital revolution. Its scope includes fostering innovation, creating high-paying jobs, and delivering inclusive public services. Within this framework, Suhuruliya 2.0 emphasises the importance of female participation as a key driver for economic growth and societal development.

Ministry of women and child affairs policy framework

This policy focuses on creating a just and equitable society by empowering women and children. It envisions a collaborative approach to enhancing the quality of life for marginalised groups. The Suhuruliya 2.0 strategy complements this vision by promoting gender equality in digital access and competencies. Its scope includes formulating and implementing policies that address barriers to women’s participation in technology, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital era.

Key strategic initiatives

• Upskilling and reskilling programs designed to meet the diverse needs of women, enabling them to adapt to the digital economy.
• Accessible learning platforms offer online and offline resources, ensuring that women in rural areas have equal access to digital education.
• Mentorship programs that connect women with successful professionals inspire them to pursue careers in technology.
• Digital inclusion efforts focused on providing affordable technology and internet access to underserved communities.
• Community spaces and resource hubs fostering collaboration and support among women in technology.
• Cybersecurity education initiatives to equip women with the knowledge to navigate the online world safely.
• Policy advocacy for gender equality in education, technology access, and the workplace.
• Train-the-trainer programs aimed at equipping educators with the skills to deliver inclusive digital education.

Governance framework

The Suhuruliya 2.0 strategy incorporates a robust governance structure to ensure its successful implementation. A national committee will oversee the coordination of efforts, comprising representatives from government agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, and private sector partners. The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) will act as the Project Management Office (PMO), responsible for monitoring progress, aligning goals, and allocating resources efficiently.

A monitoring and evaluation framework will be established, employing key performance indicators to measure the strategy’s impact. Gender-disaggregated data collection will provide insights into progress, while stakeholder engagement ensures the strategy remains inclusive and responsive to women’s needs. International collaborations will align the policy with global standards, fostering the exchange of best practices and resources.