Celebrating Women’s Equality Day: Innovating for Inclusion

I remember the first time I realized the true power of technology: it was a simple video call between my daughter and her grandmother, who lived hundreds of miles away in a small town. Seeing their faces light up as they connected across the distance made me understand how technology can bridge gaps and bring people closer. This experience ignited my passion for ensuring everyone, especially women, has access to these life-changing tools. As we celebrate Women's Equality Day, I find myself reflecting on the incredible potential that lies within each woman when given the right tools and opportunities.

In today's fast-paced digital world, technology is a game-changer for our future. But we sometimes forget how important it is for promoting inclusion and equality. Digital tech can boost economic growth and link people to vital services and job opportunities. However, if we don't make sure women have access to these technologies and the skills to use them, we risk making economic and social inequalities even worse. Giving women the digital tools and know-how they need isn't just a good idea-it's crucial for building a fairer and more prosperous world for everyone.

Have you ever thought about how different your life would be without the internet? Imagine not being able to apply for jobs online, access educational resources, or stay connected with friends and family. For 35% of the world, this is a daily reality. Sure, the internet might be available globally, but is it truly accessible if people can't afford it? By 2030, those of us who are connected will see another 500 billion devices at our fingertips, while the unconnected remain grounded. It's not just unfair; it's unnecessary. We have the tech to connect everyone, everywhere-it just takes a collective push from all of us. Connecting the unconnected could lift 500 million people out of poverty and add $6.7 trillion to the global GDP. This is the mission of Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program within the Digital Impact Office.

Women and the digital divide

But let's focus the topic at hand: women. Despite the strides we've made, women still encounter significant barriers that limit their potential. In many remote and low-income areas, women often lack access to basic necessities like power sources to charge their phones-if they even own one. Shockingly, women are 7% less likely than men to own a mobile phone and 19% less likely to use mobile internet. By addressing these disparities, we can empower women and create a more equitable and connected world for everyone.

Digital exclusion perpetuates social and economic disparities. However, there's hope. Empowering women through digital literacy can transform lives. Imagine if every woman knew how to use a phone, access the internet, search for information, engage in e-commerce, and manage finances electronically. By bridging this gap, we unlock immense potential for better social and economic outcomes.

"Innovation is the process of creating value by applying novel solutions to meaningful problems."
-Joe Dwyer

Working with Mercy Corps' Women's Philanthropy Group (WPG) has been an eye-opening experience for me. I've seen firsthand how empowering women with digital skills can transform entire communities. It's not just about technology; it's about giving women the tools they need to thrive and make a difference. Imagine a young girl in a remote village who dreams of becoming a doctor. Without access to the internet, she can't research medical schools, apply for scholarships, or even learn about the latest advancements in medicine. By bridging the digital divide, we can help her turn that dream into reality.

And here's something cool: since 2007, Cisco has been teaming up with Mercy Corps to accelerate digital solutions in humanitarian work. Being part of this mission through the Women's Philanthropy Group's initiatives is incredibly exciting. It's all about making a real impact and showing the next generation that they can too.

Contribute for inclusion

My journey in working with Cisco's Digital Impact Office and Mercy Corps has entirely reshaped how I view technology and its impact. I used to get excited about the latest tech trends just because they were fun and flashy. But now, I'm driven by a deeper passion-using technology to solve real-world problems in my community and beyond. This shift has given my work a whole new sense of purpose. As a professional, it has made me more focused on creating solutions that are not just innovative but also meaningful and impactful. As a volunteer in the community, this perspective has fueled my efforts to bridge the digital divide, helping underprivileged families gain access to essential technology and digital literacy programs. As a mom, I want to show my daughter that technology can be a powerful force for good. I strive to be a role model for her, demonstrating that our skills and knowledge can be used to uplift others and create a more inclusive world.

"Achieving gender equality requires the engagement of women
and men, girls and boys. It is everyone's responsibility."
-Ban Ki-Moon

Whoever you are, regardless of your gender, social occupation, and role, you have something to contribute! If you are a man, try to walk in women's shoes, empathize with them, and lend a helping hand. If you are a woman, try to connect with other women and share inspiration and support. If you are a mother or older sister, be a role model and be part of the new social norms that support women. If you are a woman experiencing success and know of opportunities, share your knowledge and bring another female up with you!

Let's continue to champion equality, innovate for inclusion, and create lasting change.

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