This report investigates the complex interplay between women's rights, gender equality, and the rapidly evolving landscape of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). The Global Information Society Watch 2013, a joint initiative by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and the Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation (Hivos), presents a critical examination of how ICTs impact women's lives globally. It synthesizes expert thematic reports and country-specific analyses to highlight both the advancements and the significant challenges women face in the digital sphere, from increased participation to rising online harassment and violence. The publication serves as a call to action for greater inclusivity in technological governance and a stronger defense of women's rights online.

The Global Information Society Watch 2013 is presented as a critical resource that highlights the dual nature of ICTs for women's rights, acknowledging both empowerment and increased vulnerability. The report's structure, combining expert thematic analyses with extensive country-specific data, suggests a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to understanding contemporary gender issues in the digital age. Its explicit call to action indicates an intention to influence policy and advocacy efforts related to women's digital inclusion and safety. The publication aims to foster a global dialogue on strengthening women's rights within the evolving information society.