Women First, Prosperity for All

The theme of this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which took place two weeks ago, was Women First, Prosperity for All, with a focus on supporting women entrepreneurs to foster global economic growth. The chosen theme was a response to the recognition that globally, despite recent progress, limited access to technology, nutrition, and health services prevent women, their families, and their communities from reaching their full potential. To close this divide, this week USAID announced several efforts, including: WomenConnect Challenge, which will help to bridge the gender digital divide. In early 2018, USAID will issue an open call for proposals for innovative ideas to bridge the gender digital divide by addressing the barriers of affordability, security concerns, and restrictive social norms. It’s an opportunity for innovative women entrepreneurs in Africa to provide possible new digital solutions to many of these challenges.