EQUALS in Tech Awards 2027

The EQUALS Global Partnership has officially opened applications for the EQUALS in Tech Awards 2027, an international recognition programme highlighting initiatives that help close the digital gender divide.

Established in 2014, the awards recognise programmes, projects, products and services that use technology to improve opportunities for women and girls at national, regional and international levels.

The awards are organised by the EQUALS Global Partnership, whose founding partners include the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UN Women, International Trade Centre (ITC), GSMA and United Nations University (UNU).

Under the renewed EQUALS 2.0 framework, the 2027 edition features three categories.

Emerging Tech for Inclusion Award

• Recognises initiatives promoting equitable access to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, climate technologies and other innovative digital tools, for women and girls.

Digital Skills & Leadership Pathways Award

• Recognises programmes that strengthen digital skills, support leadership development and create pathways for women and girls to advance in the digital economy.

Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces Award

• Recognises projects that help create safer and more inclusive digital environments, addressing challenges such as online harassment, violence and exclusion.

Eligible initiatives may be of different sizes and can come from any region. Applications must focus on a specific ongoing initiative rather than an organisation's overall achievements.

Winners receive recognition through an international partnership focused on advancing digital gender equality, with opportunities to strengthen professional connections and visibility.

• Nationality: Applications are open worldwide, with eligible entities from all countries and regions.

• Eligible organisations: Civil society organisations and NGOs, government institutions, international organisations, academic and research institutions, private-sector entities, multi-stakeholder initiatives, social enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures.

• Project requirement: Applicants must submit a specific programme, initiative or project.

• Project status: The nominated initiative must be ongoing and must not have concluded at the time of application.

• Award alignment: The initiative must align with one of the three official award categories.

• Application scope: Applications seeking recognition for an organisation as a whole are not eligible.

• Category restriction: Each application can be submitted under one award category only.

• Previous finalists: Former EQUALS in Tech Awards or GEM-TECH Awards finalists may apply again.

• International recognition: Recognition from the EQUALS Global Partnership for contributions to digital gender equality.

• Global networking: Opportunities to connect with organisations and professionals working towards similar goals.

• Professional connections: Potential connections with entrepreneurs, investors, activists, researchers and leaders from international organisations.

• Community membership: Access to a wider community supporting gender equality in technology.

• Visibility: Opportunities for winners to promote their work through EQUALS communication channels.

• Collaboration opportunities: A platform for building relationships with organisations working in digital inclusion.

Applicants should prepare relevant information about their initiative, including:

• Name and description of the initiative, programme or project.

• Details of the organisation or entity submitting the application.

• Explanation of how the initiative advances digital gender equality.

• Information on results, impact and people reached.

• Details demonstrating innovation, scalability and collaboration.

• Any additional evidence requested by the official nomination form.

Eligible applications are independently assessed against five official criteria:

• Impact: Demonstrated contribution to reducing the digital gender divide, supported by measurable results.

• Reach: Number of women and girls reached and geographic scope of implementation.

• Scalability and replicability: Potential for expansion or implementation in different contexts.

• Innovation: Originality and novelty of the initiative's approach or solution.

• Collaboration: Effective partnerships and engagement that support adoption and long-term sustainability.

Applications undergo a multi-stage review involving independent experts. Finalists and winners are selected by the EQUALS Programmes Committee.

• Gain international recognition for work advancing digital gender equality.

• Showcase practical solutions to challenges faced by women and girls in technology.

• Connect with organisations and professionals working on digital inclusion.

• Increase the visibility of innovative projects and social enterprises.

• Build relationships that may support future collaboration.

• Join an international community working towards a more inclusive digital future.