The crucial role of women in the development process is no longer in question. Women are the pillars of economic activity, social cohesion within the community and family welfare. They bear much of the responsibility for food production, handle children’s education and health... Despite their significant contributions, women continue to face social, economic and political barriers. As a result, they are more likely to experience poverty and insecurity, have lower access to critical resources such as land and credit, are often excluded from political decision-making processes, having a negative impact on sustainable human development as a whole.
On the other hand, Africa has the world’s youngest and fastest growing population, with more than 400 million young people aged between 15 to 35 years. This young population has the potential to spur and accelerate development, but it also represents a tremendous challenge in terms of employment and stability for African countries. Young Africans are usually marginalised from governance and decision-making processes, and some lack access to basic political, economic and social rights.
Digital social innovations and simple digital tools have the potential to overcome some of these barriers and offer women and youth opportunities to participate more actively into political life, to claim and protect their rights while recognising their important contribution to economic and social life. Through this call for proposals, Wehubit intends to leverage digital solutions to increase women and young people’s rights, inclusion and empowerment, contributing to a more sustainable socio-economic development.