Exploring new financing frontiers for an inclusive digital future for and with girls and women

There is an enormous gap in internet access, digital literacy, and digital skills for girls and young women. This keeps them on the fringes of the digital economy missing out on US$15 billion in economic opportunities relative to their male peers.

To achieve gender equality and build inclusive digital economies, it is critical to close the gender gap in digital literacy and economic participation.

Convening partners, collaborators, and supporters to a roundtable discussion at #CSW67, the Government of Finland, UNICEF, and UNCDF highlighted the Digital Literacy Equity Outcomes Fund, a joint Generation Equality Action Coalition on Tech and Innovation commitment.

The discussion considered the tension between innovation and risk-taking, especially when looking to traditional investors. The conversation also explored the potential of other innovative financing mechanisms and initiatives to advance gender equality and digital literacy equity globally.

Radha Kulkarni , Investment Manager, UNICEF Innovative Finance Hub, a team of the UNICEF Office of Innovation, noted that, “Addressing the digital divide requires multisectoral collaboration and hence we call on partners to join us in co-creating an ecosystem where we can unlock the power of finance for girls and young women.”