WIDEF has committed to support multiple grant funding rounds in India to advance the 2023 G20 Leaders commitment under India’s presidency to halve the gender digital divide by 2030. This initiative, which aims to accelerate digital inclusion for women, is a vital step toward achieving WiDEF’s vision of closing the gender gap in digital access.
Globally, digital inclusion is recognized as central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Access to and use of the internet can enable women to participate meaningfully in the digital economy, strengthening their livelihoods and resilience. Yet, one-third of the world’s population remains offline, with women making up the majority of those excluded.
The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) in India, launches its first round of support. WiDEF in India is a joint effort between USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Reliance Foundation to accelerate progress on closing the gender digital divide. WiDEF in India is managed by the GSMA Foundation with support from the global WiDEF managing consortium.
With grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, this new initiative aims to accelerate digital inclusion for women across India by supporting organization's tackling critical barriers that prevent women from accessing and using the internet. These barriers include access and affordability, relevant products and tools, literacy and digital skills, and safety and security.
This round of funding will support Indian non-profits, as well as small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the goal of scaling solutions that have the potential to significantly increase digital inclusion for women, improving women’s livelihoods, economic security, and resilience.
WiDEF Funding Priorities
This funding aims to scale solutions that have demonstrated, through credible evidence, that they can drive digital inclusion for women, significantly close the gender digital divide in their context, and are sustainable and scalable. These solutions should address at least two of the following priority areas:
- Improved Access: Enhancing women’s access to affordable, reliable, and secure internet and devices.
- Relevant Products and Tools: Developing and scaling digital tools that meet the specific needs of women.
- Digital Literacy and Skills: Strengthening women’s digital skills to participate effectively in the digital economy.
- Safety and Security: Addressing online harassment and improving digital safety measures to ensure secure online participation for women.
Eligibility and Application Details
The fund is open to Indian entities, including small-and-medium-sized for-profit enterprises (with fewer than 250 employees) and non-profits with a valid FCRA licence. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of underserved groups.
Applications for funding close on January 13, 2025, at 18:00 India Standard Time (IST). Successful applicants with receive not only financial support but also technical assistance, opportunities to participate in bootcamps and learning exchanges, and access to advisory services. The selected projects will run for 15 to 18 months.
For more information please visit: Women in the Digital Economy Fund
Click Here To Apply Now for Women In The Digital Economy Fund
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