M-Women launches design contest || Newspapers (Arabic)

Representatives of USAID, AusAID, Q-Tel group as well as the Development Fund of the International Mobile Union launched the M-Women Design Competition entitled: “Re-defining customers’ experiences”.  The competition coincides with the next round of the philanthropy summit which will take place in New York.  This competition seeks to engage designers of digital solution to create new solutions which will facilitate customers’ experiences with smart phones especially for women in developing countries who face challenges in using mobile technology on view of the limited opportunities available to them.
It is to be noted that the average usage of mobile phones in developing countries is increasing significantly, however, there is a serious concern that women will lag behind in access mobile telephony.  Indeed, research undertaken by the International Mobile Union has shown that the opportunities for women to own mobile phones are 21% less than than men in low to middle income countries.  As such, the absolute gender gap in phone usage is approximately 300 million women which are unable to use this tool to improve their living conditions.

For more information about the contest please check their website: mWomen

Source: Al Mustakbal, 4 October 2012