International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th and this year’s theme is: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”

Only 63% of women were using the Internet in 2022 compared to 69% of men and this widens further in low-income countries according to an ITU report, that’s almost 260 million fewer women without online connectivity. 

Gender inequality is a major obstacle to improved outcomes. We are working to level that playing field. When women receive the same support as men, yields increase by 20-30%. The addition of digital technology with widespread access could further reduce this gender imbalance and help level the playing field. 

To learn more about the potential of technology for women’s empowerment, register for our webinar for International Women’s Day – Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality. 

A recent project of ours in The Gambia, A Sustainable Market Price Information System MIS for Vegetable Producers, enabled mostly female vegetable producers to access market price information and climate advisory data based on weather trends which has lead to improved planning and selling of produce. 

Since the introduction of our market price information system, Giddeh Jallow – a mother and vegetable producer, as well as fellow farmers, have the information they need to negotiate fairer prices for their produce. The project has also helped to unite farmers in the region who have now agreed to charge the same prices for their produce.

“Now I have increased my income and am able to take care of my family’s basic needs without financial challenges” explained Giddeh.

When women have control over family income, they invest up to 90% in the household, including family diet, medical and educational expenses and therefore the whole family benefits.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate and reflect on the progress made towards advancing gender equity and helping rural women reach their potential.