Applications are open for the womenconnect Challenge 2019 in the USA.  Digital technology is revolutionizing the world by providing access to information, finance, and networks — all of which are necessary for women to reach their full economic potential and also,  create more self-reliant communities. Today, 1.7 billion women in low- and middle-income countries still do not own mobile phones. Further, The internet user gender gap is more than 40 percent in some countries. The persistent gender digital divide is reinforcing, and even exacerbating, existing socioeconomic gaps between men and women. Likewise, advancing women’s digital connectivity is key to promoting their empowerment in an increasingly digital world.

Moreover, At the 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, USAID Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick announced the second round of the WomenConnect Challenge under the White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) initiative. W-GDP is a U.S. Government-wide effort to economically empower 50 million women in the developing world by 2025. Further,  by investing in women, USAID is enabling countries to progress beyond assistance by unlocking human potential on a transformational scale. USAID will disburse approximately three grants globally. Also, The period of performance for each award is up to 24 months

The W-GDP WomenConnect Challenge seeks to bridge the gender digital divide so that women can fully participate in the global economy. Winning solutions will support W-GDP’s three pillars:

• Advance workforce development and also,  vocational education for women
• Provide access to capital, markets, and networks for women entrepreneurs
• Remove restrictive regulatory, legal, workplace, and social barriers to enable women in the economy

Benefits

• USAID will disburse approximately three grants globally.

Eligibilities

• For details about eligibilities, check the official link.

Application process

• Step One: Go to the WomenConnect Challenge Application Platform
• Second step: Download and read the Request for Applications (RFA) and any RFA Modifications
• Step Three: Create an account and begin your application
• Further, You will need to remember your login information to access your application. Also, you can begin to fill out your application and save it as you make progress.
• Step Four: Submit any questions you have on the RFA by July 8 at 5:30 pm ET
• Step Five: Submit your application by August 6 at 12:00 pm ET