Global Tech Challenge 2020: Solutions for Women

The World Bank Group, one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, has partnered with CES —the world’s largest and most influential technology event—to launch a Global Tech Challenge to bridge the digital gender divide. Here’s why:

Over 300 million fewer women access the internet in low-and-middle-income countries than men. This divide has persisted and is in fact widening in some regions. Barriers to digital equality are linked, among other factors, to availability of infrastructure, financial constraints, interest and perceived relevance of digital technologies, and socio-cultural and institutional contexts.

Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.

The Global Tech Challenge, launched at CES 2020, is presented by CES and the World Bank Group.

Addressing the gender digital divide is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of women’s livelihood. This is particularly the case during crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic when connectivity is key. Historically, leaving structural gender inequalities out of the crisis response has further compounded those inequalities. At times like this, we need to emphasize the importance of digital access for women.

  • Access to mobile phones can help gain access to key information for women, at a time when access to their traditional information channels may be limited.
  • Access to information and communication technologies can ensure that women have access to mobile money, helping poverty outcomes for female-headed households. As countries implement unconditional cash transfer programs, enabling women to access money can improve their household bargaining power.
  • Access to mobile phones during area-wide quarantines can help women seek emotional support and advice as they shoulder more care work within the household.

They will reward scalable, innovative technological solutions that seek to empower women in four areas.

  • Platforms: Solutions that increase the availability of locally relevant digital platforms catering to women. For example, local marketplaces and solutions building online communities for women.
  • Digital skills: Solutions that support the development of digital skills by women and girls. For example, applications that use personalized and adaptive learning to teach basic, intermediate or advanced digital skills.
  • Online content: Solutions that increase the availability of women-oriented content. For example, locally relevant content on reproductive health or to combat gender-based violence.
  • Enhancing digital access: Solutions that focus on innovative business models that make it easier for women to access and use digital technologies and enable the use of digital identification, such as pay-as-you-go and other models that promote women’s sustained use of mobile internet.

Benefits

  • Recognition at CES 2021.
  • Mentorship from technology companies and World Bank leaders.
  • Share stories at regional and international events.
  • Build professional networks.
  • Raise international profile and brand.

Eligibilities

  • The challenge is open to for-profit, not-for-profit and public interest organizations. Recently registered organizations are also eligible to apply.
  • There are no eligibility restrictions based on the size of the organization. Startups, privately traded companies and or publicly traded organizations are invited to apply.
  • There are no restrictions on the size of public interest organizations, and no restrictions based on the organization’s focus area or current business lines. Organizations that are exploring gendered effects of existent solutions are eligible to apply.
  • They encourage the participation of organizations in emerging and developing countries.
  • Individuals, UN agencies and governments are not eligible to apply.
  • The same organization can submit multiple entries if each entry targets a different focus area. Multiple submissions from the same organization will be evaluated as stand-alone entries.
Eligible Regions: Open for All

Application Process

Apply online through the given link.

Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2020

Application ClosedOfficial link

For Further Queries

[email protected]
Disclaimer: Youth Opportunities spreads opportunities for your convenience and ease based on available information, and thus, does not take any responsibility of unintended alternative or inaccurate information. As this is not the official page, we recommend you to visit the official website of opportunity provider for complete information. For organizations, this opportunity is shared with sole purpose of promoting “Access to Information” for all and should not be associated with any other purposes.

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?