The theme for International Women's Day 2023, "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality," highlights the role technology and innovation can play in advancing gender equality. Technology and innovation can play a crucial role in reducing maternal mortality and improving the health outcomes of women in the Western Pacific Region.

In public health data, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) can give an indication of the gender sensitivity of the health system. This indicator together with the adolescent birth rate are used to calculate the reproductive health contribution of the Gender Inequality Index. Since 2000, fewer women are dying in pregnancy and childbirth in the Western Pacific Region, as shown by the MMR, however, it is not decreasing at the same rate as it was in previous years¹.

Through digital tools and technologies, including telemedicine and mobile health, more women living in rural or remote areas may be more able to access prenatal and postpartum care, and thus reduce preventable maternal deaths. Electronic health records can help healthcare providers monitor and track maternal health outcomes, identify high-risk pregnancies, and provide timely interventions. Furthermore, the use of digital tools for education and awareness can help promote reproductive health and empower women to make informed decisions about their health.

However, it's important to acknowledge that not all women have equal access to technology and digital tools. Women in low-income countries or marginalized communities may face barriers such as limited internet access, lack of digital literacy, or gender-based discrimination. Therefore, efforts to promote gender equality in technology must also address these systemic barriers to ensure that all women have access to these life-saving tools.