eTrade for Women masterclass for South Asia

Growth and impact: Unlocking opportunities for women-led digital businesses in South Asia

Dear distinguished guests, participants and colleagues,

I am very pleased to open this first-ever eTrade for Women Masterclass for South Asia. It marks a significant milestone not only for UN Trade and Development but also for the digital economy in this vibrant region.

South Asia is a region full of economic vitality but also constrained by profound inequalities.

With projected growth rates of 6.4% in 2024 and 6.2% in 2025 in South Asia, it is the fastest-growing region among developing economies.

The region’s digital economy is nothing short of extraordinary. India, for instance, is set to exceed 900 million internet users by 2025, making it the second-largest digital market globally.

This momentum is driven by a youthful, tech-savvy population, a flourishing middle class and robust investments in technology and infrastructure.

But profound inequalities constrain this immense potential. Access to digital infrastructure, connectivity and digital skills remain uneven, with rural populations and smaller nations often left behind.

Gender inequality remains a pressing issue that restricts women’s full participation in the economy, even among educated, urban and higher income women. Social norms, entrenched biases and limited opportunities contribute to this gap.

The barriers are even more pronounced in technology and digital sectors, limiting women’s influence in key industries driving the digital economy.

Unless these disparities are addressed, the benefits of South Asia’s digital revolution risk being captured by a select few, leaving large segments of society excluded from its transformative potential. 

In efforts to support women and contribute to addressing these challenges, UNCTAD launched the eTrade for Women initiative in 2019 to help break the gender divide in the digital economy. Through this initiative, UNCTAD aims to empower women entrepreneurs by addressing gaps in visibility, skills and networking opportunities. We also strive to bring the voices of women entrepreneurs to the policy table, advocating for a more inclusive digital economy.

Events like this masterclass are an essential part of the program.

Let me congratulate you on having been selected for this transformative experience. I am delighted that female entrepreneurs from different countries and a diverse range of sectors are taking part.

Making a difference and creating a positive impact on your community has been a requirement to apply for this masterclass. All of you present make a highly valuable contribution by providing employment opportunities, offering solutions to problems in a diverse array of industries by leveraging technologies and digital tools and being role models to your communities.

Your participation underscores the immense potential of women-led businesses to drive South Asia’s digital future. At the same time, your commitment aligns strongly with the UN values and the mission of advancing economic development across South Asia.

Therefore, you are not just attendees of this masterclass – you are changemakers of the digital economy. 

I encourage you to make the most of this experience: share your ideas, learn from each other and use this platform to refine your vision as leaders in the digital economy.

Before closing, I want to acknowledge the tremendous support and vision of our partners, without whom today’s gathering would not have been possible. I warmly thank the Government of India, represented by Ms. Anna Roy; the Government of Australia, represented by Ms. Carly Partridge; Ms. Ajaita Shah, eTrade for Women Advocate for South Asia; and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia for their valuable contributions.

I also want to emphasize that Australia’s support as a core donor to UNCTAD’s digital initiatives has enabled us to expand the eTrade for Women program to South Asia.

We are proud of this programme and your contributions. As our Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan said: “Women are agents of change, agents of good, agents of community, economy and society building.”

With you we can contribute to closing the gender gap in the digital economy.

Thank you.