As part of the GSMA’s Connected Women Commitment
Initiative, Ethio telecom has committed to empower women in 2026 by making a
formal Commitment to increase the proportion of women in their mobile internet
and mobile money customer base.
Established in Ethiopia in 1894, Ethio telecom
is a leading integrated telecom and Digital Financial Services provider,
delivering a wide range of services such as voice, data, SMS, public cloud,
data centre, digital finance, enterprise solutions, international data and
voice as well as value-added services beyond connectivity. With a robust
customer base exceeding 76.1 million, it proudly serves over 43.35 million
telebirr (mobile money) users as of March 2024.
“We see the GSMA’s Connected Women Commitment
Initiative as a valuable opportunity that should be embraced because by
empowering women in the digital economy and increasing their use of mobile
services, we can create opportunities for them to play a vital role in the
betterment of society. Together, we can empower women to take advantage of the
endless possibilities in the digital world,” said Frehiwot Tamru, CEO, Ethio
telecom.
As a company dedicated to promoting digital
inclusion and gender equality, Ethio telecom recognises the importance of
ensuring that women have equal access to the benefits of technology. In line
with this commitment, they have undertaken several initiatives to empower women
through digital means.
One of their key initiatives involves donating
laptops and mobile handsets to women in need. By providing these essential
devices, they aim to remove barriers to digital access and empower women to
engage in educational, professional and entrepreneurial activities. These
devices serve as valuable tools for communication, learning and accessing
online resources, enabling women to expand their knowledge and skills.
In addition to hardware donations, Ethio telecom
have developed tailor-made telecom products and services specifically designed
to address the unique needs and challenges faced by women. Through these
offerings, they strive to make digital connectivity more accessible, affordable
and user-friendly for women across various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Furthermore, they actively collaborate with
organisations and community groups to provide digital literacy training
programmes for women. These programmes equip women with the necessary skills
and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape for personal and professional
growth. By focusing on these and more suitable initiatives, they aim to bridge
the digital gender gap and empower women to fully participate in the digital
economy.
