Reliance Foundation Pledges $10 Million to Women in Digital Economy Fund

Reliance Foundation has committed up to USD 10 million to the Women in Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) to help reduce the digital gender gap in India and globally. This initiative, backed by USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to empower women through technological advancement and economic inclusion.

Reliance Foundation has pledged up to USD 10 million to the Women in Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), a joint initiative by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Announced by US Vice President Kamala Harris in March 2023, WiDEF aims to boost women's economic empowerment, enhance livelihoods, and foster resilience by funding and promoting solutions to drive financial inclusion.

In India, WiDEF takes shape through a partnership involving USAID, BMGF, and Reliance Foundation, with the GSMA Foundation managing the project's implementation with the global WiDEF consortium's backing. Reliance Foundation's contribution will double the available WiDEF funding in India, aligning with the G20 Leaders' 2023 pledge to halve the digital gender gap by 2030. Additionally, the foundation will develop knowledge tools, share best practices, and support evaluation and learning for WiDEF grantees in India.

Isha Ambani, Director of Reliance Foundation, stated, "The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) represents a historic advancement in global collaboration to fulfill the G20 commitment to closing the gender digital divide by 2030. We are proud to join as a Global Anchor Partner." USAID/India Acting Mission Director Dr. Alexandria Huerta emphasized the importance of this collaboration in achieving global development goals. "Closing the gender digital divide is essential for progress in India and worldwide," she said.

This commitment builds on the established partnership between Reliance Foundation and USAID through the WomenConnect Challenge India. Launched in 2020, the initiative aimed to narrow the digital gender divide for 600,000 women, selecting 17 recipients over two rounds to break down barriers, provide equitable digital access, and empower marginalized women.

Reliance Foundation's efforts extend beyond WiDEF, collaborating with the BMGF to support one million female entrepreneurs across Indian states and implementing the Digital Skills Programme nationwide in partnership with Reliance Jio and GSMA. This program is part of the GSMA Connected Women Commitment, designed to train rural and marginalized women to enhance their digital access.

The US government remains committed to promoting women's economic empowerment and digital inclusion globally. USAID continues to create opportunities for female entrepreneurs to bolster their digital skills, including financial literacy, facilitating their integration into the formal economy.

Since its launch in March 2023, WiDEF has garnered robust support from a global consortium, including Reliance Foundation, USAID, and BMGF, among other governments, private companies, and multilateral organizations, collectively committing over $1.01 billion to expedite gender digital equality.

(With inputs from agencies.)