In a bold move to bridge the gender digital divide, the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) launches a new round of funding to accelerate digital inclusion for women in India. Spearheaded by USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Reliance Foundation, this initiative promises grants of up to $500,000. The aim is to empower Indian entities committed to addressing the complex barriers faced by women in accessing and utilising digital technologies.
This funding initiative arrives at a critical juncture when digital inclusion has become a cornerstone for social and economic development. With a vision to halve the gender digital gap by 2030, WiDEF is setting a benchmark in India. Their vision aligns with G20 goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The gender digital divide: A persistent challenge
Globally, one-third of the population remains offline. Women form the majority of those excluded. In India, only 37% of women use mobile internet compared to 53% of men, according to GSMA’s Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024. While infrastructure growth like 4G and 5G networks has made digital access more widespread, entrenched socio-economic barriers continue to hinder women’s inclusion in the digital economy.
The Women in the Digital Economy Fund seeks to challenge this status quo. It targets critical areas such as affordability, digital literacy, and safety and offers tailored tools for women. By doing so, the initiative aims to dismantle these barriers systematically.
WiDEF launches new round of funding: A game-changing initiative
The latest round of funding from WiDEF offers grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. This financial support is open to Indian non-profits and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) committed to advancing gender equality and digital inclusion. The GSMA Foundation is managing this initiative. The fund underscores a collaborative effort to transform women’s lives through technology.
The funding focuses on scaling proven solutions that address key priorities:
- Access and Affordability: Expanding reliable and affordable internet and devices for women.
- Relevant Products and Tools: Creating digital tools designed to meet women’s unique needs.
- Digital Literacy and Skills: Strengthening women’s ability to engage effectively in the digital economy.
- Safety and Security: Enhancing online safety and addressing harassment to foster secure participation.
Also read: Reliance Foundation pledges $10 million to close the gender digital divide
A collective effort: The power of partnerships
The fund’s mission reflects a collective commitment from its founding partners. Jagannatha Kumar, CEO of Reliance Foundation, emphasised, “Through WiDEF, Reliance Foundation aims to support innovative, evidence-based solutions to advance digital inclusion at scale in India. It marks another step forward in bridging the gender digital divide to enhance lives and livelihoods.”
Echoing this sentiment, Steven G. Olive, USAID Mission Director to India, remarked, “Promoting gender equality is fundamental to USAID’s mission. By partnering with local organisations to overcome barriers to digital access, we are helping foster an inclusive economy that benefits everyone.”
WiDEF launches new round of funding: The impact on women’s lives
WiDEF’s impact extends beyond financial support. Selected projects will benefit from technical assistance, boot camps, learning exchanges, and advisory services. These interventions are designed to ensure the sustainability and scalability of initiatives aimed at bridging the gender digital divide.
As India’s digital ecosystem expands rapidly, this initiative holds immense promise. It can be a boon for economic security and resilience among women. The fund’s emphasis on gender equality and the inclusion of underserved groups has the potential to create transformative ripple effects across communities.
Conclusion: Closing the gap for a digital future
WiDEF launches a new round of funding with a mission that goes beyond numbers. This funding aims to enable more women to thrive in the digital era. By addressing systemic barriers and providing resources for change, the initiative is paving the way for a more equitable digital economy.
At Changeincontent, we believe initiatives like WiDEF address immediate challenges and lay the groundwork for a future where gender is no longer a barrier to opportunity. Together, with efforts like this, we can work towards a society where technology empowers all, irrespective of gender.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
