A new partnership focusing on helping women break into the digital sector has been announced by Avanade and The Aspire Foundation, and aims to "empower, up-skill and provide access" to technology for 1bn women over the next five years.
The companies will pair volunteers from The Aspire Foundation with participants around the world who want to learn about management, leadership and technology, as part of Avanade's corporate citizenship program to close the gender pay gap in the technology industry.
Adam Warby, Avanade CEO, said: "We are delighted to partner with The Aspire Foundation to help women around the world make a difference in their communities and families. I am personally passionate about helping women tap into the potential that technology and innovation offer.
"Through the donation of our expertise in helping guide charities and social enterprises on their digital journeys, we hope to help The Aspire Foundation reach its goal of positively impacting one billion women by 2020."
In a recent interview, technology entrepreneur Baroness Martha Lane Fox said that the internet has shut women out of the "modern industrial revolution" instead of empowering them. Government data has also revealed that fewer women are working in the industry than ten years ago.
"We strongly believe that women are the change enablers within their communities and, with the right training, can help influence positive change," said Dr Sam Collins, CEO and founder of The Aspire Foundation. "This partnership with Avanade will provide valuable support to help women make a difference whilst allowing us to grow together and tell rich, compelling stories that encourage others to make an impact."
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