Launched in 2016, the Women ICT Frontier Initiative (WIFI) is APCICT’s flagship training programme for promoting women’s entrepreneurship in Asia and the Pacific through ICT capacity development. It is aimed at supporting women-led micro, small and medium entrepreneurs so they can leverage digital technologies in their enterprises, and supporting government leaders and policymakers to create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs.
Global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that APCICT's training for women entrepreneurship needed to be reassessed. The pandemic had a significant effect on businesses run by women, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to digital transformation. In response, APCICT overhauled the WIFI programme, now known as WIFI DX, to provide women entrepreneurs with tools for managing disruptions and making the most of digital transformation. WIFI DX includes new practical courses on e-commerce, digital marketing, digital financial literacy, data analytics, trust and security, and business continuity planning.
WIFI DX is a much-needed programme that can have a transformative impact not only on the lives of women entrepreneurs and their families, but also to promoting an enabling environment that will provide women with equal opportunities for economic participation.
The Digital Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs course is central to WIFI DX, offering vital insights into digital transformation and innovation. It lays the groundwork for strategic thinking in digital business evolution. By motivating and guiding entrepreneurs, it emphasizes the significance of other specialized courses like E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, Trust and Security, and Business Continuity Planning within the WIFI DX program.
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Businesses need proactive planning, especially after crises like COVID-19. A Business Continuity Planning (BCP) course, emphasizing technology, helps women entrepreneurs manage and overcome crises, natural or man-made. It covers core concepts, planning processes, tool usage, and encourages participants to outline key action points for their business continuity plans.
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Entrepreneurs leverage data analytics to make informed decisions, understand customer behaviors, and adapt strategies. This course empowers women entrepreneurs with foundational data analytics knowledge, covering descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. It emphasizes ethical data usage and customer data protection, promoting responsible practices in business.
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In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential for business success. This course is divided into two parts. The first half focuses on essential digital marketing skills, covering basics, social media, search engine marketing, SEO, and emerging trends like AI. The second half teaches building an e-commerce presence, including product research, operations, online branding, digital marketing, and expansion strategies through social media and partnerships.
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This course empowers women entrepreneurs with financial literacy and analytical skills, enabling them to assess their financial status and interpret data effectively. By gaining confidence and professionalism, they enhance their prospects for securing funding to grow their businesses. Armed with this knowledge, they can confidently approach lenders or investors to fulfill their financial requirements and expand their ventures.
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The Trust and Security course focuses on online safety, emphasizing strong passwords and cautious online behavior. It covers data protection, safeguarding personal and business data, and increasing confidence in using digital tools. The course utilizes microlearning, hands-on exercises, case studies, and gamification to deepen participants' understanding and ensure a safe online experience.
read moreWIFI has reached 12 countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including Armenia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. WIFI has also been introduced in both the CIS and ASEAN Subregions and has been localized in 8 languages.
