Reliance Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have revealed the grant recipients of Round Two of the WomenConnect Challenge India. The initiative, aimed at bridging the gender digital divide in India and empowering women to participate fully in the global economy, selected seven social sector organisations out of over 260 applicants. Each winner will receive grants of up to INR 1 crore (approximately $120,000) from Reliance Foundation to address barriers hindering women’s access to technology. In partnership with the United States government, Reliance Foundation will provide mentoring support to women entrepreneurs, farmers, micro enterprises, collectives, and self-help groups across India.
The winners were announced during the event "Accelerating Digital Inclusion: Bridging the Gender Digital Divide in India," which brought together experts and organisations working towards digital empowerment.
The grant winners of Round Two include organisations such as The Goat Trust, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Manjari Foundation, Digital Empowerment Foundation, Seven Sisters Development Assistance, ACCESS Development Services, and Yugantar. These organisations will focus on various initiatives ranging from building digital skills of community livestock care providers to promoting financial and digital inclusion through games, videos, and interactive tools.
During the event, Reliance Foundation and USAID also released their joint publication titled “Women Connected: Strategies for Bridging the Gender Digital Divide in India,” summarising their learnings from the WomenConnect Challenge India. The publication underscores the importance of behavioural change campaigns, collaboration with community leaders and family members, and the incorporation of digital literacy into livelihood programs to bridge the gender digital divide effectively. It highlights the significance of considering women’s distinct needs and perspectives, especially at the grassroots level, in the design and development of digital technology.
The WomenConnect Challenge is a global call for solutions to improve women’s participation in everyday life by transforming their access to and use of technology. Through their collaboration, Reliance Foundation and USAID are creating new pathways for women and girls in India to engage with technology, challenge outdated social norms, and enhance their economic independence. By closing the gender digital divide, women will be empowered to improve their lives, strengthen their families, and contribute to the resilience of their communities, fostering an inclusive and equitable future.
