GP to digitally empower women in 2000 unions

Denoting the spirit of International Women’s Day, Grameenphone has pledged to launch a long-term initiative titled “Internet Er Duniya Shobar” in alignment with the theme of #digitALL – innovation and technology for gender equality.

The initiative will focus on accelerating digital inclusion for women through educating them across the nation and enabling them to explore the endless possibilities of the internet and the digital sphere, said a press release.

“Internet Er Duniya Shobar” reflects on Grameenphone’s commitment as a leading technology company, towards bridging the digital divide and aims to advocate and expedite digital inclusion for women across the country.

The initiative was launched in a discussion session at GPHouse in the capital on March 7 focusing on digital inclusion for everyone regardless of gender.

As a part of this two-year-long initiative, a series of exclusively designed courtyard conversations will be held across the country. The objective of the initiative is to create awareness among women who have limited or no access to technology and empower them through better digital literacy.

Women from rural and semi-rural regions in 2000 unions shall be invited to attend courtyard conversations where they will be made aware of how the Internet can help them uplift their life and unleash possibilities. The sessions will focus on breaking taboos and stereotypes surrounding women using technology by presenting real-life examples and connecting them with inspiring women to demonstrate the prospects and necessities of women’s digital inclusion.

Grameenphone employees and inspiring women from respective localities, shall share their views and opinions as torchbearers of gender equality, educate and create awareness on safe internet usage to guide the participants on how to utilise the internet for their personal and professional growth. Both online and offline modules of communication will be utilised with an additional focus on online safety. The first round of courtyard conversations will start on March 9 and will continue in phases until the ambition is reached.

“There are so many inspiring stories all around us. From Dina Mri who provides freelancing services sitting in Madhupur to Fouara Ferdous who has established her own e-commerce business from her home to Dr Tasnim Jara who fights medical misinformation in the digital space every day. But there are also many women who we can inspire by telling these stories and showing the possibilities they have right at their fingertips,” said Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman.

“To ensure that Smart Bangladesh becomes a reality, we need our women to equally participate in this journey. With our promise to take digital literacy to 2000 unions, we do not only want to educate the women in the remotest corner of the country about using the Internet but also want to give our inspiring women a platform where they can share their stories to inspire and empower the left-behind ones”, he said.