In today’s interconnected world, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has become far more than a technological upgrade. It’s a powerful enabler of equity, dignity, and opportunity especially for women and girls who have historically been left behind. But what are DPIs? According to UNDP, just as roads and railways connect people to jobs, services and opportunities, digital infrastructure enables access to the essential systems that shape daily life. DPIs are digital systems that form the backbone of modern societies. They enable secure and seamless interactions between people, businesses and governments. As the world modernizes, technology is advancing and accelerating at a greater scale. As this is happening there is need for safeguards that ensure that digital transformation, is not discriminatory. Foundational systems like digital identification (Digital IDs), interoperable payment platforms, and data-sharing frameworks, when designed inclusively can transform access to justice, health, education and financial services. Especially for women and girls.

Digital Identity: The First Step Toward Visibility and Access

Legal identity is a fundamental human right, yet many women especially those in rural communities still encounter barriers to accessing essential services due to missing or lost documentation. The Uganda’s national digital ID system is changing this reality. According to a recent national study, 94.1% of adults [DM1] in Uganda sought to register for the National digital ID, and nearly 79% currently possess one, underscoring strong demand for identity-backed access to services.

This matter is not only profoundly about identification especially for women. It is also about enhancing actions geared to improving access to government services. With a digital ID, a woman can reliably access reproductive health care, HIV treatment, antenatal services, social protection programs, and education opportunities without fear of losing records or facing repeated administrative hurdles. Strengthened health outcomes are already visible: Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio dropped from 336 deaths (2016) to 189 per 100,000 live births in 2022, while neonatal mortality fell from 27 to 22 deaths per 1,000 live births. Digital identity systems can further accelerate progress by enabling accurate beneficiary targeting, enhancing efficiency in services provision and improving continuity of care.

Digital Finance: Opening the Door to Economic Autonomy