In a monumental step towards gender equality, Reliance Foundation has pledged $10 million to the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF). It is a joint initiative by USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Announced by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in March 2023, WiDEF aims to uplift women. The idea is to provide women with greater access to the digital economy. It aims to enhance livelihoods and promote economic security. The commitment by Reliance Foundation doubles the fund’s impact in India. Moreover, it will accelerate progress in closing the gender digital divide.
Reliance Foundation: A Global Anchor Partner for WiDEF
Reliance Foundation’s partnership as a Global Anchor Partner is set to have far-reaching impacts. Isha Ambani, Director of Reliance Foundation, expressed the foundation’s commitment to the cause, stating:
“The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) is a historic step for global collaboration to achieve the G20 commitment to close the gender digital divide by 2030, and Reliance Foundation is proud to come on board as a Global Anchor Partner.”
Through WiDEF, the Reliance Foundation will accelerate progress in India and share best practices with countries across the Global South. Their $10 million investment will double WiDEF’s available funds for India. It will also support groundbreaking projects to empower women through digital access.
The role of USAID and BMGF in WiDEF
WiDEF, a collaborative effort involving several global partners, came into existence in March 2023. The initiative seeks to enhance women’s digital participation and economic empowerment across the world. In India, it aims to advance economic security for women through targeted interventions and capacity-building programs.
Dr. Alexandria Huerta, USAID/India Acting Mission Director, highlighted the impact of this collaboration:
“As the United States and India partner to advance and achieve global development goals, closing the gender digital divide is essential to progress in India and around the world.“
With Reliance Foundation’s support, the initiative will empower millions of women. Moreover, it will ensure that women have the skills and opportunities to thrive in a digital-first world.
Building on successful partnerships: WomenConnect Challenge India
This new commitment builds on the WomenConnect Challenge India. It is a successful initiative launched in 2020 by USAID and Reliance Foundation to bridge the gender digital divide. Through this challenge, over 600,000 women across India have gained digital literacy and access. Seventeen awardees were chosen for their ability to dismantle barriers and create inclusive digital spaces.
Reliance Foundation’s collaboration with BMGF further underscores its mission to empower women entrepreneurs. The foundation is working to help one million women across several Indian states. These partnerships are reshaping India’s digital landscape by ensuring that women, especially from marginalised communities, have access to digital tools, literacy programs, and opportunities.
Reliance Foundation is scaling the impact: National and global initiatives
Reliance Foundation also supports the Digital Skills Program, a collaborative effort between Reliance Jio and GSMA. This national rollout is part of the GSMA Connected Women Commitment initiative. The program aims to provide rural women and marginalised individuals with the skills they need to make meaningful use of digital tools. The goal is to ensure that these communities can fully engage in the digital economy. It will contribute to India’s broader economic development.
Globally, WiDEF partners—including private sector companies, civil society, and multilateral organisations—have pledged over $1.01 billion towards gender digital equality. Reliance Foundation’s $10 million commitment will play a crucial role in advancing the G20 goal to halve the digital gender gap by 2030.
The path forward: A more equitable digital future
The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) represents a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality in the digital realm. Reliance Foundation’s commitment to doubling the available funds in India will drive impactful projects. These projects will empower women through technology. Moreover, they will help them achieve greater economic security and resilience.
As Isha Ambani emphasised:
“Through WiDEF, Reliance Foundation will work together to accelerate innovative solutions to empower women through technology in India and also share best practices with other countries to help drive global progress towards this shared vision for a more equitable future.“
With this partnership, Reliance Foundation is making substantial strides toward creating a more inclusive digital economy. It is an economy where women from all walks of life can participate, grow, and thrive.
Source: Reliance Foundation
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