GE and Ashoka Changemakers have launched an online competition in search of innovative solutions that will advance economic opportunities for women in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Pakistan.

‘Women Powering Work: Innovations for Economic Equality’ is calling for initiatives that enable women to achieve economic equality, strengthen their families and communities, and benefit equitably from economic growth, said a statement.

Three prizes, each totalling $25,000 in unrestricted funding, will be awarded to the winning entries, it said.

“The competition extends our efforts in support of economic empowerment of women,” said Nabil Habayeb, president and CEO, GE Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.

“We recognise that enabling women to participate fully in the economy, and to grow their talents and careers, leads to exponential benefits for societies and development.”

In many countries, more women attend university than men. However, there is a disproportionate number of women that participate in the workforce—half the rate of the global average, said the statement.

An equivalent economy allows for and encourages both men and women to excel in their livelihoods, by having equal access to quality jobs, skills training and capital, limitations on mobility, and avoid discrimination in the workplace, it said.

The competition is seeking solutions that address barriers to economic equality, including initiatives that help end gender discrimination, increase access to capital and technology, or enable gender-responsive advocacy for women’s rights. The deadline for entering is November 6.

Participants in the online competition have the opportunity to engage with the Changemakers community, which includes social entrepreneurs from around the world, impact partners, sector experts, and potential investors. - TradeArabia News Service