The International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly ITU-WTSA which is underway in New Delhi. It saw highest-ever women participation in its history marking a significant step toward gender-balanced delegations and leadership roles. The landmark event focused on promoting gender diversity in the field of telecommunication standardization. A special event, The Network of Women in Standards, led by the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunication Union underscored the commitment to advancing women’s leadership roles in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM and standardisation.

The topic is particularly significant for India as the government is implementing various measures to create an inclusive technology sector and empower women through technology platforms, in line with the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who advocates for women-led development. India is making progress in this area, with an increasing number of women co-founders in startups and over 40 per cent of participants in STEM education being women. Initiatives such as Namo Drone Didi, Bank Sakhi, and Mahila E-Haat are empowering women to take on leadership roles in technology. The Network of Women in ITU-T, aligned with WTSA Resolution 55 is dedicated to fostering active female participation in standardization activities and ensuring a gender-inclusive approach across all ITU processes. This initiative is critical as the global push for digital inclusion accelerates, with women playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology.