The course aims to enhance the capacity of policymakers to formulate policies that promote women digital entrepreneurship. It focuses on the development and transformation of the digital economy in general, and on the opportunities and challenges facing women digital entrepreneurs in particular, (including women who are already digital entrepreneurs, and women who wish or might wish to become digital entrepreneurs). The course is designed to increase policymakers’ practical knowledge and understanding in both areas. In addition, the international case studies, examples, and workshop exercises in the course will enhance policymakers’ critical thinking and strategic perspectives in developing policy action plans, both to promote women digital entrepreneurship and to improve the digital business environment. It is envisioned that women digital entrepreneurs can be can be uplifted, becoming a vital sector in economic and social development and growth, and helping countries to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the Asia and the Pacific region.

In many respects, this course relates to APCICT’s Women ICT Frontier Initiative For Digital Transformation (WIFI DX) Women Entrepreneurs’ Track programme, which was launched in April 2024 during the 80th Commission Session of ESCAP. However, the course is not focused on the technical aspects of the WIFI DX and digital business. Instead, it aims to enhance the capacity of policymakers to develop policies to promote women digital entrepreneurship. It should be noted that the contents of the course should be customized to fit the socio-economic and environmental context in particular countries.