Audiopedia: Digital empowerment for marginalized women

Bridging digital divides is a crucial aspect of establishing gender equality. As we explore digital solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we share the perspective of Internet entrepreneur Marcel Heyne, co-founder and director of the Audiopedia Foundation.

Tell us about your digital solution to accelerate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Audiopedia is a transformative digital public good, crafted to empower marginalized women worldwide. Leveraging solar-powered audio devices and mobile platforms, we disseminate vital knowledge spanning health, rights, and life skills. This directly propels progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender equality.

By effectively bridging the literacy and gender divide, we are not only promoting gender equality but also ensuring that women in the remotest of areas have a voice, as well as access to the information they rightfully deserve.

Which organization or group is behind this digital solution?

Audiopedia is a pivotal project of the Audiopedia Foundation, which unite a zealous team of experts, volunteers, and global grassroots organizations. What drives us is our collective vision: to use accessible digital audio tools to champion marginalized women, to empower through knowledge, and to lay the foundation for global gender equality.

Our approach is both innovative and inclusive, always placing beneficiaries at the heart of our mission.

How can your digital solution help put the SDGs back on track?

Audiopedia accelerates progress on the SDGs by focusing on gender equality (Goal 5). By bridging the knowledge gap for marginalized women, we address root causes of inequality. Our accessible audio content on health, rights, and skills uplifts women, fostering their economic and social participation.

As women get empowered, ripple effects touch upon other SDGs, from improving health in line with Goal 3 to reducing poverty in line with Goal 1.

With Audiopedia, we’re not just ticking off goals. We’re intertwining success in these areas with holistic global progress.

Why does your project focus on those particular SDGs?

In targeting gender equality, we believe empowering women is foundational for broader societal progress. By providing accessible audio education, we directly address barriers facing marginalized women.

Additionally, our content intersects with good health and well-being (Goal 3), quality education (Goal 4), and reduced inequalities (Goal 10). Empowered, informed women lead healthier lives, uplift their communities, and drive inclusive growth, thereby influencing multiple SDGs holistically.

What are the greatest challenges or risks you have faced in rolling out your digital solution for the SDGs?

One major challenge has been securing consistent funding for a digital public good like Audiopedia. While its potential for impact is vast, its open-access nature means traditional monetization routes are inaccessible.

This paradigm shift from proprietary to open, though crucial for equitable global progress, often doesn’t align with conventional funding models. The risk is that while digital public goods can be game-changers for the achievement of SDGs, they may still remain underfunded and not realize their full potential.

What are the advantages of joining forces with ITU, UNDP and other partners to advance digital solutions for the SDGs?

Joining forces with esteemed entities like ITU and UNDP provides Audiopedia with amplified credibility, reach, and resources. While we’ve laid the groundwork since 2016, scaling up requires robust partnerships and funding.

Collaborating with these organizations not only accelerates our mission but also aligns us with global strategies to push the SDGs forward.

The expertise and networks of these organizations as part of the UN system, combined with our innovative approach, can unlock unprecedented impact potential, truly driving change at scale.

Audiopedia co-founder and CEO Felicitas Heyne presented this solution to empower marginalized women during the SDG Digital event at UN Headquarters on 17 September.

Audiopedia is featured as a digital solution for SDG5 (gender equality) in the SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda, prepared by ITU and UNDP with knowledge partner Boston Consulting Group and support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Credit photos: Audiopedia

(Updated 18/09/2023)