Tech in Africa
Google has announced several programmes targeting girls and women across Africa to fund nonprofits and social enterprises committed to the empowerment of girls and women. The news has coincided with International Women’s Day on March 9th. $25 million worth of cash grants will target non-profits and social enterprises while helping them achieve their full economic potential.
At a virtual event, Google CEO Sundar Pichai depicted the launch of this new Impact Challenge as a way to address systemic barriers and inequities giving women access to financial independence opportunities. The idea is to see to it that women “build financial independence” and “pursue entrepreneurism.”
An all-female panel comprised of educators, world leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, Google executives, and researchers will oversee the application review and selection processes. Each organization will receive $300,000 accompanied by capacity building and mentorship support from Google.
TechCrunch reports that Applications to the fund will continue until April 9. Jacqueline Fuller, who is the President of Google.org, added that the company will invest an additional $1 million towards underserved women in India.
Google’s GIC initiative is a follow-up to previous initiatives such as the 2019 Africa launch of Women Will, and the #IamRemarkable workshop series.
