This #WomensDay, we’re innovating for change

On International Women’s Day (8 March 2019), UN Women calls on the world to “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change.”Learn more: http://unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/international-womens-dayThis International Women’s Day, UN Women focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure. With the IWD 2019 theme of “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change,” we are calling for transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.Innovation and technology provide unprecedented opportunities, yet trends indicate a growing gender digital divide. Women are under-represented in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design. These gaps prevent them from developing and influencing gender-responsive innovations to achieve transformative gains for society. From mobile banking to artificial intelligence and the internet of things, it is vital that women’s ideas and experiences equally influence the design and implementation of the innovations that shape our future societies.IWD 2019 will challenge industry leaders, start-ups, social entrepreneurs, gender equality activists and women innovators to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and create a more inclusive, efficient and sustainable future for women and girls.