This brief explores how digital technologies are transforming women's political engagement in South Asia, presenting both opportunities and challenges. A significant mobile internet gender gap and prevalent patriarchal norms hinder women's digital access and participation. Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) further silences and discredits women leaders. Despite these hurdles, digital platforms offer new avenues for political communication, visibility, and network building, as demonstrated by various initiatives across the region. Targeted interventions, including digital skill-building programs, efforts to amplify women's voices, and the creation of digital networks, are crucial for fostering women's political leadership.

Key recommendations for governments, civil society, political parties, and tech companies include: ​

• Investing in digital skills

• Closing access gaps

• Supporting safe online participation

• Highlighting women's digital leadership

• Strengthening safeguards against online harassment