Reimagining the Indo-Pacific: Using an Inclusive Lens Policy Brief 5: Digital Transformation Regimes & Gender: Perspectives from the Indo-Pacific

The Federal Foreign Office of Germany and Kubernein Initiative have taken the joint initiative to consolidate past and current perspectives and understand the extent of gender mainstreaming in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on climate, trade and economic security, human and non-traditional security. We consider the centrality of human security in the Indo-Pacific and aim to explore ways forward for shaping more inclusive policies within the region, as well as learn from best practices that may be particularly relevant to Indo-German engagement. This policy brief is part of a series of publications under Kubernein Initiative and the Federal Foreign Office’s joint project. Our perspective is rooted in Germany’s ‘Feminist Foreign Policy’ vision, and Kubernein Initiative’s work on inclusive foreign policy from an Indian context.

In this policy brief, author Aarushi Gupta examines the rapid digital transformation in the Indo-Pacific, noting how digitalisation has become central to national strategies for growth, public service delivery, climate action, smart cities, payment systems, and more. However, the historical exclusion of women, girls, and non-binary individuals persists, resulting in a digital divide that limits their participation in and benefits from digital marketplaces, public services, and platforms. The brief underscores the need for gender-responsive and transformative technologies, citing examples of AI biases and digital welfare paradigms that often exclude women. It calls for a feminist digital future in the Indo-Pacific, advocating for inclusive and transparent digital policymaking, pan-region strategic blueprints, and Indo-German cooperation to promote digital gender equity.