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EQUALS in Tech Awards : Meet the Finalists

Writer: EQUALS
EQUALS
Feb 6
3 min read

Updated: Feb 27


The EQUALS Global Partnership is very pleased to announce the finalists for the EQUALS in Tech Awards! Congratulations to all the finalists, who were selected from a field of more than 256 nominated initiatives representing 67 countries around the globe.


About the Awards

Every year, the EQUALS in Tech Awards recognize outstanding projects and initiatives around the world that are helping build a brighter digital future for girls and women by bridging the gender digital divide.

Prizes are awarded for outstanding achievement and innovative strategies in five categories: Access, Skills, Leadership in Technology, Leadership in SME (small and medium enterprises) and Research.


The EQUALS in Tech Award Finalists

The 12 finalists this year represent the innovative work, dedication to digital equality, and concrete results that directly benefit the girls and women who are most excluded from access to technology, digital skills, and opportunities for tech leadership and entrepreneurship.


Access Category Finalists


Sierra Leone


Educube bridges digital and education gaps in Sierra Leone by transforming shipping containers into solar-powered learning hubs that equip women, girls, and underserved communities with essential digital skills.






Nanum Mujeres Conectadas 

Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay


Mujeres Conectadas empowers Indigenous and rural women in the Gran Chaco by expanding affordable internet access, strengthening digital skills, and fostering climate resilience to drive sustainable community development.



Skills Category Finalists


Indonesia


Generation Girl empowers Indonesian girls and young women in STEM through boot camps, workshops, hackathons, and leadership programs to close the gender gap and foster future tech leaders.




World Humanitarian Support Foundation

United States


The World Humanitarian Support Foundation empowers girls and women in Africa through digital training, coding, mentorship, and drone technology programs to advance STEM education and careers.



Leadership in SME Category Finalists


Women on Wednesday 

Blue Sapphire Hub

Nigeria


Led by the Blue Sapphire Hub, Women on Wednesday strengthens women-led SMEs through digital skills, mentorship, and investment linkages, fostering inclusive economic growth in underserved communities.



AT&T Mx

Mexico


AT&T Mexico’s eNOVADORAS program empowers women-led tech startups by providing funding, training, and networks to scale innovation in Mexico’s digital economy.




GO DIGITAL: Empowering women-led small businesses in Poland to grow through digitalization 

Fundacja LBC Business Woman Foundation (LBC)

Poland


GO DIGITAL, led by Ladies Business Club (LBC), empowers women-led SMEs in Poland to grow through digital skills, mentoring, and strong entrepreneurial networks.







Leadership in Tech Category


FINOMENA

Palestine


WE Women by FINOMENA empowers female entrepreneurs across the MENA region through incubation, mentorship, and investment support to help women-led startups scale and become investor-ready.



WomenCISO 

Women@Google and EPIC Lab ITAM

Mexico


WomenCISO, an initiative by Women@Google and EPIC Lab ITAM, equips women with cybersecurity and AI skills through expert training, mentorship, and hands-on learning to advance gender diversity in tech.


United Kingdom


EqualReach is a female-founded social enterprise connecting refugee and female talent to dignified digital work through an ethical, team-based freelancing marketplace.




Research Category


Monitoring Landslides and Reducing Risks 

Ecuador


Through innovative monitoring and inclusive risk management, the study strengthens landslide resilience and empowers marginalized communities in Ecuador.



Bahrain


This research examines the link between data security and organizational performance, highlighting strategies to protect data, strengthen trust, and improve operational outcomes.


Selection of Winners

The finalists for the awards were selected by the EQUALS in Tech Award Advisory Group – comprising previous award winners, EQUALS coalition members and other experts – through an established evaluation process. One winner will be selected in each category.


Awards Ceremony

The winners of the EQUALS in Tech Awards will be officially announced during the EQUALS session at Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC-26) on 3 March 2026.


The ceremony will bring together global leaders, partners, and innovators committed to closing the gender digital divide and advancing inclusive digital transformation. One winner will be selected in each of the five award categories: Access, Skills, Leadership in Technology, Leadership in SMEs, and Research.


Stay tuned for the official winner announcement and ceremony highlights.


To find out more about the awards, visit: www.equalsintech.org/awards


Follow us on social media to find out more about the finalists and the award ceremony in the coming weeks. 




 
 
 

11 Comments


Alisa Carlos
Alisa Carlos
2 hours ago

I really enjoyed reading this post and found the discussion quite informative. It is interesting how certain ideas and cultural trends can continue to influence people long after they first become popular. Fashion is a good example because movies and entertainment often introduce styles that become recognizable beyond the original scene. The saturday night fever white suit is one memorable example of how a movie outfit can become closely associated with a particular era and remain relevant to people interested in classic cinema and vintage style. Overall, this was an engaging article, and I appreciate the way it encourages readers to look at the wider cultural impact of the topics being discussed.

Like

David Miller
2 days ago

Really inspiring to see so many innovative initiatives being recognized for advancing digital inclusion and creating opportunities for women and girls in technology. The variety of projects across access, skills, leadership, and research shows how much meaningful work is happening globally. Congratulations to all the finalists! It’s also interesting how technology, creativity, and popular culture continue to influence each other, from digital innovation to iconic styles like the saturday night fever white suit.

Like

Hiroshi Shimamura
4 days ago

This is a great initiative highlighting innovative projects that promote digital inclusion and empower women and girls through technology. The diversity of the EQUALS in Tech Awards finalists shows how meaningful ideas can create positive change around the world. It is also interesting to see how different industries continue to value innovation and creativity, including fashion brands such as Vanquishe Jacket. Best wishes to all the finalists!

Like

Melon Sandbox
Melon Sandbox
Aug 26

I like how the EQUALS in Tech Awards highlight practical efforts to make technology more accessible and inclusive. The focus on digital skills, leadership, and research shows how different approaches can help close the gender digital divide. It also reminds me of Melon Sandbox, a physics-based sandbox game where I can experiment with characters, objects, and different setups.

Like

ziroli2016
Aug 24

A solo-run Mastodon instance often has a unique character because the admin’s interests directly shape the community. This one’s evolution from a private notebook to a shared space is an interesting story. The Xuha homepage provides the full background.

Like
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