2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards: Global Applications Open for Technology Initiatives Advancing Digital Gender Equality

The 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards are now accepting applications from organizations, institutions, businesses and initiatives worldwide that use technology to advance digital gender equality and help close the digital gender divide. Organized by the EQUALS Global Partnership, the awards recognize outstanding programmes, projects, products and services that are improving access to technology, strengthening the digital skills and leadership of women and girls, and creating safer and more inclusive digital environments.

The 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards offer a global platform for initiatives working to ensure that women and girls are not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital world. Through this international recognition programme, EQUALS seeks to highlight innovative and impactful solutions that address the barriers preventing women and girls from accessing, using and benefiting from digital technologies.

Applications are open to initiatives of different sizes and from every region of the world. Eligible applicants include civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, government institutions, international organizations, academic and research institutions, private-sector entities, social enterprises, entrepreneurial ventures and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

The 2027 edition introduces three award categories under the renewed EQUALS 2.0 framework. These categories reflect the partnership’s current areas of work and focus on emerging technologies, digital skills and leadership, and safe and inclusive digital spaces.

For organizations and innovators working at the intersection of technology and gender equality, the EQUALS in Tech Awards provide an opportunity to showcase their work, gain international recognition, connect with a global network of stakeholders and contribute to a broader movement for digital inclusion.

About the EQUALS Global Partnership

The EQUALS Global Partnership is a global, multisectoral initiative committed to advancing gender equality in the digital age. Its work recognizes that access to technology, digital education, leadership opportunities and safe online participation are essential to ensuring that women and girls can fully benefit from the opportunities created by digital transformation.

Although digital technologies have expanded access to information, education, employment, entrepreneurship and communication, significant gender gaps remain. Women and girls in many parts of the world continue to face barriers that limit their ability to access digital tools, acquire relevant skills, participate in technology-related careers and influence decisions about the development and use of technology.

These inequalities can be influenced by several factors, including affordability, limited infrastructure, unequal access to education, social and cultural barriers, discrimination, inadequate representation in technology industries and online harassment.

Addressing the digital gender divide therefore requires more than simply providing access to devices or internet connectivity. It also requires initiatives that equip women and girls with the skills to use technology effectively, create opportunities for leadership and participation, and ensure that digital environments are safe and accessible.

The EQUALS Global Partnership works to recognize and support efforts that respond to these challenges. Through the EQUALS in Tech Awards, the partnership highlights initiatives demonstrating how technology can be used to promote equal opportunities and improve the participation of women and girls in the digital economy.

About the 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards

First launched in 2014, the EQUALS in Tech Awards recognize outstanding initiatives at the global, regional and national levels that use technology to transform the lives of women and girls.

Over the years, the awards have provided recognition for projects, programmes, products and services addressing different dimensions of digital gender inequality. The awards are intended to highlight practical solutions and demonstrate how technology can contribute to more inclusive societies and economies.

The 2027 edition introduces a renewed structure under the EQUALS 2.0 framework. Rather than using a broad approach to digital inclusion, the current edition organizes applications around three specific award categories aligned with the partnership’s workstreams.

These categories are:

1. Emerging Tech for Inclusion Award.
2. Digital Skills & Leadership Pathways Award.
3. Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces Award.

Each category recognizes a different but interconnected aspect of digital gender equality. Together, they address the need to ensure that women and girls can access emerging technologies, develop the skills and leadership capabilities required to participate in the digital economy, and engage in online environments without violence, harassment or exclusion.

The awards are open to initiatives of all sizes and from every region. Applicants are encouraged to present projects that demonstrate meaningful contributions to digital gender equality and align with at least one of the three categories.

Benefits of the 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards

Successful applicants and winning initiatives will benefit from international recognition and opportunities to connect with a wider community of organizations and stakeholders working to advance digital gender equality.

The stated benefits include:

• Global recognition: Winners receive recognition from a global, multisectoral partnership committed to gender equality in the digital age.
• Greater visibility: The awards provide a platform for outstanding initiatives to showcase their work and demonstrate their contributions to digital inclusion.
• Access to a community of support: Winners become part of a strong community of organizations and stakeholders working towards shared objectives.
• Networking opportunities: Recognition through the awards can help winning initiatives expand their professional networks and connect with relevant actors across different sectors and regions.
• Opportunities to share innovative solutions: The awards highlight approaches that can inform, inspire and potentially be replicated by other organizations working to close the digital gender divide.
• Contribution to global gender equality efforts: Selected initiatives become part of a wider international conversation about ensuring that women and girls can participate fully in the digital age.

The announcement does not specify a cash prize or financial grant for winners. Applicants should therefore understand the stated benefits primarily as recognition, visibility, community support and networking opportunities rather than assume that the awards provide direct funding.

Award Categories for the 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards

The 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards feature three categories. Each category focuses on a particular challenge affecting women’s and girls’ participation in the digital world.

Applicants must ensure that their proposed initiative, programme, project, product or service clearly corresponds to one of these categories.

1. Emerging Tech for Inclusion Award

The Emerging Tech for Inclusion Award recognizes initiatives, programmes, products and services that promote equitable access to and benefits from emerging technologies for women and girls.

Emerging technologies are increasingly influencing how people work, communicate, access education, receive services and participate in economic activities. Artificial intelligence, climate technologies and other innovative digital tools are creating new opportunities, but their benefits are not always equally distributed.

Women and girls may experience barriers to accessing these technologies, developing the skills required to use them or participating in the industries responsible for their development. In some cases, technological systems may also reproduce existing inequalities when women’s needs and experiences are not adequately considered during their design and implementation.

This award category seeks to recognize initiatives addressing these challenges by making emerging technologies more accessible, inclusive and beneficial to women and girls.

Relevant initiatives may include programmes or products that:

• Improve women’s and girls’ access to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
• Promote women’s participation in the development and application of innovative digital tools.
• Use climate technologies to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for women and girls.
• Address barriers that prevent women from benefiting from technological innovation.
• Develop inclusive technological solutions that consider the needs and experiences of women and girls.
• Promote equitable participation in emerging technology ecosystems.

The category is particularly relevant to organizations, technology developers, research institutions and social enterprises using innovation to reduce gender disparities in access to and participation in emerging technologies.

2. Digital Skills & Leadership Pathways Award

The Digital Skills & Leadership Pathways Award recognizes initiatives that equip women and girls with digital skills, strengthen their leadership capabilities and opportunities, and create scalable pathways into leadership positions in the digital economy.

Digital skills are increasingly necessary for participation in education, employment, entrepreneurship and public life. As industries become more dependent on digital systems, individuals without the necessary skills may face significant disadvantages.

However, access to digital education and professional development opportunities remains unequal. Women and girls may encounter financial, educational, institutional and social barriers that limit their participation in digital training and technology-related careers.

This award category focuses on initiatives that go beyond basic digital literacy. It recognizes programmes that help women and girls acquire practical skills, build confidence, develop leadership capabilities and access opportunities for professional advancement.

Eligible initiatives may include programmes that:

• Provide digital literacy and technology training for women and girls.
• Equip participants with advanced digital and technical skills.
• Support women pursuing careers in technology and other areas of the digital economy.
• Develop leadership and professional development opportunities for women.
• Provide mentorship, coaching or career guidance for women and girls.
• Create pathways for women to enter leadership positions in technology-related industries.
• Support women entrepreneurs using digital technologies to develop and expand their businesses.
• Establish scalable training and leadership programmes that can reach more women and girls.

The emphasis on scalable pathways is important. The awards are interested in initiatives that can create meaningful opportunities beyond a small group of participants and potentially expand their impact across communities, institutions, industries or regions.

Organizations applying under this category should clearly explain how their initiative develops digital capabilities, strengthens leadership opportunities and contributes to women’s participation in the digital economy.

3. Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces Award

The Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces Award recognizes initiatives that promote safe, inclusive and empowering digital environments where women and girls can participate fully and benefit from digital technologies.

Access to technology alone does not guarantee meaningful digital inclusion. Women and girls must also be able to use digital platforms and services without experiencing violence, harassment, discrimination or exclusion.

Online violence and harassment can discourage women and girls from participating in digital spaces, expressing their views, accessing information, developing professional networks or pursuing opportunities online. These experiences can also affect their confidence, safety and ability to benefit from digital technologies.

This category recognizes initiatives that address these challenges and help create digital environments where women and girls can participate freely and safely.

Relevant initiatives may include programmes, services and projects that:

• Prevent or respond to online violence against women and girls.
• Address cyberbullying, online harassment and other forms of digital abuse.
• Promote digital safety education and awareness.
• Develop tools or services that help protect women and girls online.
• Encourage inclusive participation in digital communities and platforms.
• Support women and girls who experience online discrimination or exclusion.
• Promote responsible and inclusive digital practices.
• Strengthen awareness of online rights, safety and empowerment.

The category is particularly relevant to civil society organizations, digital rights groups, technology companies, advocacy initiatives and other organizations working to improve online safety and inclusion.

Applicants should demonstrate how their initiative contributes to digital environments in which women and girls can participate meaningfully without being exposed to violence, harassment or exclusion.

Who Can Apply for the 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards?

The 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards are open to applicants worldwide. The opportunity is not restricted to a particular country or geographical region, and initiatives from every region are encouraged to apply.

The call welcomes applications from a broad range of organizations and entities working to advance digital gender equality.

Eligible applicant categories include:

1. Civil Society Organizations

Civil society organizations working on gender equality, women’s empowerment, digital inclusion, technology access, education, human rights and related development priorities may apply.

Organizations may submit initiatives that use technology to address inequalities affecting women and girls or improve their participation in digital spaces.

2. Non-Governmental Organizations

Non-governmental organizations working at local, national, regional or international levels are eligible to apply.

This may include NGOs implementing programmes that provide digital education, promote technology access, strengthen women’s leadership, address online violence or support women in technology-related fields.

3. Government Institutions

Government institutions are also eligible to submit applications.

Public institutions implementing policies, programmes, services or projects that use technology to advance gender equality may be considered, provided that the initiative aligns with one of the three award categories.

4. International Organizations

International organizations working on digital development, gender equality, women’s empowerment, education, innovation and related areas are welcome to apply.

Their initiatives may operate across several countries or focus on particular communities and populations.

5. Academic and Research Institutions

Universities, research centres and other academic institutions may apply with relevant initiatives.

This includes projects that use research, technology development, digital education or institutional programmes to address the digital gender divide.

Academic institutions may also present initiatives that strengthen women’s participation in technology research, innovation, digital skills development and leadership.

6. Private-Sector Entities

Private-sector organizations and companies are eligible to apply.

Businesses developing products, services, technologies or programmes that promote digital gender equality may submit applications. This could include technology companies, digital service providers and businesses using innovation to improve women’s access to digital opportunities.

7. Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives

Collaborative initiatives involving different organizations and sectors are also eligible.

These may bring together government institutions, civil society organizations, private companies, academic institutions and community actors to address challenges affecting women’s and girls’ participation in the digital world.

8. Social Enterprises and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Social enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures working to advance digital inclusion and gender equality may also apply.

This category provides an opportunity for mission-driven businesses and innovative ventures to demonstrate how their products, services or business models contribute to improving the lives of women and girls through technology.

Important Eligibility Requirements

Although the awards are open to a broad range of applicants, the announcement establishes specific requirements that every application must satisfy.

1. The application must present a specific initiative.

Applications must focus on a clearly identified programme, initiative or project. Applicants should not submit an application seeking recognition for their organization as a whole.

For example, an organization working on women’s empowerment should identify the particular digital inclusion project or programme it wants considered rather than simply presenting its general institutional activities.

2. The initiative must align with one of the three award categories.

The proposed initiative must demonstrate a clear connection to at least one of the following:

• Emerging Tech for Inclusion.
• Digital Skills & Leadership Pathways.
• Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces.

Applicants should select the category that most closely reflects the primary purpose and activities of their initiative.

3. The initiative must still be ongoing.

The programme, project or initiative must be active at the time of application. Initiatives that have already concluded are not eligible under the stated requirements.

Applicants should therefore ensure that the project has not ended before submitting their application.

4. Applications are open worldwide.

There is no country-specific restriction in the announcement. Organizations and initiatives from different regions of the world are encouraged to apply.

5. Applicants must demonstrate relevance to digital gender equality.

The central purpose of the awards is to recognize work that uses technology to advance gender equality and close the digital gender divide.

An initiative should therefore demonstrate how its activities, products, services or programmes benefit women and girls through improved access, skills, leadership opportunities, safety or inclusion.

The announcement does not specify a minimum organizational age, minimum project budget, formal education qualification, nationality requirement or minimum number of beneficiaries. Applicants should consult the official application guidance for any additional requirements not included in the published announcement.

How Will Applications Be Evaluated?

Eligible applications will be independently reviewed and assessed using five evaluation criteria.

These criteria are intended to help assess the quality, relevance and potential contribution of each initiative.

1. Impact

Impact considers the difference an initiative has made or is making in the lives of women and girls.

Applicants should explain the problem their project addresses and demonstrate the results achieved so far. This may include improvements in access to technology, digital skills, leadership opportunities, online safety or participation in the digital economy.

Where available, applicants should provide evidence such as programme outcomes, beneficiary information, project results and other relevant indicators.

2. Reach

Reach considers the extent to which an initiative has engaged or benefited its intended audience.

Applicants should explain who the initiative serves, the communities or populations it targets and the scale of its activities.

This may involve describing the number of women and girls reached, geographical coverage, participating institutions or the communities benefiting from the project.

The objective is to demonstrate the initiative’s ability to reach its intended beneficiaries and address the digital gender divide.

3. Scalability and Replicability

This criterion considers whether an initiative can be expanded or adapted for use in other communities, locations or contexts.

A project may have demonstrated positive results in one location, but its wider value may depend on whether its approach can be replicated or scaled.

Applicants should explain what makes their initiative adaptable, how it could reach additional beneficiaries and whether its model could be implemented in other settings.

4. Innovation

Innovation assesses the originality and effectiveness of the initiative’s approach.

Applicants should demonstrate how their programme, product, service or project uses technology or innovative methods to address challenges affecting women and girls.

Innovation does not necessarily mean developing an entirely new technology. It may also involve applying existing tools in new ways, introducing more effective approaches to digital education or developing solutions that respond to overlooked barriers to digital participation.

5. Collaboration

Collaboration considers the partnerships and relationships that contribute to the initiative’s implementation and success.

Applicants should explain whether their project involves partnerships with other organizations, institutions, communities, businesses or stakeholders.

Effective collaboration can help initiatives access expertise, resources, networks and wider audiences. It may also strengthen the sustainability and reach of a project.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how collaboration contributes to their initiative’s objectives and results.

How to Apply for the 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards

Organizations and initiatives interested in the 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards should prepare an application that clearly presents their work and demonstrates its relevance to digital gender equality.

The announcement confirms that applications must focus on a specific ongoing programme, initiative or project. Applicants should therefore avoid submitting general organizational profiles without identifying a qualifying initiative.

The following steps provide a practical preparation guide:

Step 1: Identify the initiative you want to submit

Select a specific programme, project, product or service that uses technology to advance digital gender equality.

The initiative must still be ongoing at the time of application.

Step 2: Select the appropriate award category

Determine which of the three award categories best reflects the initiative’s objectives and activities.

Choose the Emerging Tech for Inclusion Award if the initiative promotes equitable access to emerging technologies.

Choose the Digital Skills & Leadership Pathways Award if it develops digital skills, strengthens women’s leadership or creates pathways into the digital economy.

Choose the Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces Award if it addresses online violence, harassment, exclusion or digital safety.

Step 3: Review the eligibility requirements

Confirm that your organization belongs to one of the eligible applicant groups and that the initiative meets the requirements outlined in the call.

Pay particular attention to the requirement that the initiative must be ongoing and that applications must focus on a specific project or programme.

Step 4: Prepare information about the initiative

Develop a clear description of the project, including its objectives, activities, intended beneficiaries and contribution to digital gender equality.

Applicants should also prepare relevant information that demonstrates the initiative’s impact, reach, innovation, scalability, replicability and collaboration.

Step 5: Demonstrate the initiative’s results

The evaluation criteria place importance on the results and potential of each initiative.

Where possible, applicants should provide evidence that demonstrates the project’s progress and contribution to women and girls.

This may include relevant programme data, documented outcomes, examples of implementation, beneficiary information and evidence of partnerships.

Step 6: Complete and submit the official application

Applicants should access the official 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards application information and follow the instructions provided by the EQUALS Global Partnership.

The announcement supplied for this opportunity does not include the direct application portal, submission procedure, required supporting documents or a closing date. Applicants should consult the official awards page for these details before preparing and submitting their applications.

Important Dates and Application Deadline

The 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards call for applications is currently open.

However, the announcement provided does not state the exact opening date, application deadline or date when winners will be announced.

Interested applicants should check the official EQUALS Global Partnership announcement for the latest application timeline and submission requirements.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their project information and supporting evidence early so that they have sufficient time to complete the application once they have confirmed the official deadline.

Programme Details: Location, Duration and Fees

The EQUALS in Tech Awards are a global recognition opportunity. Applications are open to eligible initiatives from every region, meaning that the call is not limited to organizations operating in a particular country.

The announcement does not specify a physical programme location, training schedule, fellowship duration or participation period. This is because the opportunity is structured as an awards programme recognizing existing initiatives rather than a conventional academic scholarship, internship or training fellowship.

Similarly, no application fee, participation fee, travel support, cash prize or direct financial grant is specified in the announcement.

The confirmed benefits are international recognition, membership in a strong community of support and opportunities to expand professional networks through the global, multisectoral EQUALS Partnership.

Applicants should refer to the official application information for any additional details concerning fees, award activities, winner announcements or other arrangements.

Why the 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards Matter

The digital gender divide remains an important development challenge. As technology becomes increasingly central to education, employment, communication, entrepreneurship and public services, unequal access to digital opportunities can deepen existing social and economic inequalities.

Women and girls who lack access to technology or the skills needed to use it may find it more difficult to participate in the digital economy. Those who experience online violence or harassment may also be discouraged from using digital platforms and expressing themselves freely.

The 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards recognize that closing these gaps requires coordinated action from organizations across different sectors.

By highlighting initiatives focused on emerging technologies, digital skills and leadership, and safe digital environments, the awards recognize the different conditions necessary for meaningful digital inclusion.

The opportunity also encourages organizations to demonstrate practical results. Rather than recognizing institutions simply because they work in the technology or gender equality sectors, the awards focus on specific initiatives that are actively contributing to change.

For eligible organizations, the awards offer an opportunity to bring attention to work that might otherwise receive limited international visibility. They also provide a platform for sharing approaches, building relationships and strengthening the wider movement for gender equality in the digital age.

The 2027 EQUALS in Tech Awards provide a global opportunity for organizations, institutions, businesses and social enterprises using technology to advance digital gender equality. With three award categories covering emerging technologies, digital skills and leadership, and safe and inclusive digital spaces, the awards recognize initiatives addressing some of the most important challenges affecting women and girls in the digital world.

Applications are open worldwide to eligible organizations presenting specific programmes, projects, products or services that are still ongoing at the time of application. Initiatives will be independently evaluated based on impact, reach, scalability and replicability, innovation, and collaboration.

Organizations working to close the digital gender divide should consider applying and using this opportunity to showcase their achievements, gain international recognition and connect with a global community committed to ensuring that women and girls can participate fully in the digital age.

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