online . The pandemic worsened longstanding inequities and an already gaping digital divide — with the brunt of the hardship falling on disadvantaged communities . ¶ Reaching digital equity requires hardware , internet access , digital literacy , and quality content . HP ’ s new Partnership and Technology for Humanity initiative , or
PATH , aims to be part of the solution by equipping students , parents , and teachers for 21st-century learning ; unlocking access to the future of work ; and reaching digital health equity through inclusion . It will target four specific communities most likely to experience the digital divide : women and girls ; aging populations and people with disabilities ; communities of color and marginalized groups ; and educators and practitioners . The first step is to listen to these communities to hear about the root causes of this inequity , and then apply those insights to influence product innovation , partnerships , and solutions for change . ¶ “ Digital equity is a human rights issue ,” says Karen Kahn , Head of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer at HP . “ Without it , millions of people are disenfranchised from education , healthcare , and economic opportunity . It will take collaboration and participation from a broad spectrum of organizations to achieve parity .”
— Arnesa A . Howell