Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the winners of the WomenConnect Challenge, a global call for solutions to increase women's access to digital technology and life-enhancing services that can reduce poverty and drive inclusive economic growth.

Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump and USAID Administrator Mark Green launched the WomenConnect Challenge on March 8, 2018, in recognition of International Women's Day. The Challenge was designed to identify and support solutions that empower women and girls, via access to, and the use of, digital technology to drive positive health, education, and livelihood outcome for themselves and their families. Over the last six months, USAID received more than 500 applications from 89 countries. Administrator Green has made women's economic empowerment a centerpiece of his agenda at USAID.

Announced at the W20 Summit, the nine winners of the WomenConnect Challenge, from 13 countries, will help bridge the digital gender divide by addressing socioeconomic, cultural, policy, and financial-inclusion barriers that limit women's access to, and benefit from, digital technology.

Join us to congratulate the winners of the Challenge and read more about WomenConnect.