Championing Digital Inclusion: Insights from Elaine

During a recent discussion featuring speakers from the Prime Minister's Office of Samoa, Elaine Chandra, an experienced educator with a marketing background, emphasized the pressing need for greater stakeholder engagement, broader support, and enhanced education and training in digital spaces.

Her remarks highlighted the critical role of collective efforts in addressing the digital divide, particularly for underprivileged communities.

Elaine shared a compelling example from her work to illustrate the transformative potential of targeted training initiatives.

Collaborating on a 90-day project with a woman from an underprivileged community, Elaine provided hands-on training in graphic design.

The results were profound: the woman not only gained technical skills but also developed the confidence to navigate the digital world.

This story underscored the immense value of empowering women who may lack access to technology.

“I’m not just advocating for existence in the digital space,” Elaine stated passionately. “I’m advocating for funded projects that enable women to thrive in these spaces.” She highlighted the work of NGOs like Climate Justice, whose initiatives support women’s inclusion in technology, as essential examples of impactful action.

Elaine’s call to action centered on raising awareness and fostering education to bridge gaps in digital literacy.

Her insights underscore the importance of holistic approaches—bringing together policymakers, NGOs, educators, and businesses—to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.

By championing initiatives that equip women and everyone with technological skills, Elaine’s vision paves the way for a more inclusive, equitable digital future.