CODE Forum

Coalition for Digital Equality (CODE)


Coalition for Digital Equality (CODE) is a global network working collaboratively to bridge the digital gender divide in Africa. 

Digital technologies are driving social and economic transformation in Africa. However, along with their many benefits, the widespread use of digital technologies presents a growing challenge for marginalised groups who are often excluded from these solutions. In particular, the digital gender divide poses a major risk to Africa’s socio-economic development. African women and girls continue to face barriers in accessing and benefiting from digital innovation. This poses the risk of reinforcing existing gender inequalities and hindering progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals.Hosted by the Coalition for Digital Equality, this event will bring together digital ecosystem stakeholders, academic and industry partners from Ghana, Uganda, the UK and across the globe to share ideas and discuss how the African digital gender gap can be addressed at scale in order to build a more equal digital future. PROGRAMME 09:00 – 09:15 (GMT)– Welcome remarks and CODE introduction09:15 – 10:00 (GMT) – Panel discussion – Re-thinking existing models: Addressing gender barriers to digital skills training and entrepreneurship support.

In this panel, we will hear from leaders of innovation hubs, digital skills programmes, entrepreneurship support organisations and female entrepreneurs to understand the challenges to women’s participation in digital programmes and discuss how to address them.<ul><li>What barriers prevent women from applying, participating or completing digital skills and entrepreneurship programmes?</li><li>How may existing programme models and practices contribute to these barriers?</li><li>How can we design digital entrepreneurship and skills support programmes that are centred around the needs of women?</li></ul>10:00 – 10:45 (GMT) – Panel discussion: Bridging the digital gender divide - Insights from academia

In this session we will hear from researchers and academics whose work provides key insights into the challenges, opportunities and considerations for addressing gender gaps in digital access, skills and entrepreneurship.<ul><li>What does research point to as some of the key factors driving the digital gender divide?</li><li>What considerations need to be taken into account when addressing these challenges, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic? What opportunities for change exist?</li><li>How can academia support and partner with digital practitioners in bridging the divide?</li></ul>10:45 – 11:00 (GMT) – Break11:00 – 11:30 (GMT) – Innovators showcase

In this session we will hear from inspiring women-led and inclusive digital businesses that focus on serving women's needs. They will showcase their solutions and share how their work is helping to build a more equal digital future.11:30 – 12:30 (GMT) – Panel discussion – Accelerating gender-lens investment in Africa.

This session will bring together impact investors, entrepreneurs and investment enablers to discuss ways to unlock the potential of women-led and women-impacting digital startups in Africa.<ul><li>Women-led startups in Africa remain under-funded receiving less than 5% of venture capital. On one hand promising female entrepreneurs face challenges finding funding. On the other, investors often say– we can’t find women entrepreneurs who meet our criteria or that not enough women apply for their funding opportunities. What is behind this mis-match and how can it be fixed?</li><li>How can gender-lens investing be used as a tool to help bridge the digital gender divide?</li><li>Global investors are increasingly interested in the gender impact of their investments. How can African startups leverage this opportunity to grow their businesses inclusively and impact more women with their digital solutions?</li></ul>12:30 - 12:40 - Audience interaction 12:40 – 12:55(GMT) – Keynote

12:55 – 13:00 (GMT) – Closing remarks

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CODE Forum

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CODE Forum

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