Welcome to the First Edition of Digital 50.50 in 2025

We’re thrilled to bring back Digital 50.50 after a year. It feels surreal to launch a new edition after such a long break, especially in today’s climate of restrictions and censorship. As the new Editor-in-Chief, I recognize the immense responsibility entrusted to me and hope to carry forward the legacy of my predecessor, Maryam Saeed, with the same dedication and passion as her.

This first edition of 2025 is being released on International Women’s Day, with the theme: “Empowered Voices, Accountable Platforms: Redefining Digital Equality.” The articles and illustrations in this issue explore the evolving role of tech platforms in shaping digital equality for women and gender minorities, particularly in the face of shifting, often discriminatory, policies by tech platforms.

As we navigate the digital landscape, we see both states and tech platforms tightening their grip on online spaces, curbing free expression, and silencing those who challenge the status quo. This edition aims to amplify the voices of women and marginalized communities, shedding light on their real lived experiences and the impact of changing tech policies in this digital age, particularly with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

I hope you find these pieces as thought-provoking and meaningful as we did while putting them together.

With love,
Seerat Khan
Co-editors: Sara Imran, Ahsan Zahid, and Fariha Yasir
Illustrator: Emil Hasnain