14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has joined the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization for a new initiative focused on increasing literacy for girls and women worldwide.
UNESCO’s Global Partnership for Girls’ and Women’s Education program, is supported by such leaders as U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Mali Prime Minister Cissé Mariam Kaidama Sidibé, joined by Linda Zecher, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Public Sector, Microsoft.
Of course, in the Redmond company’s view, the best way to improve the quality of education for women is through technology.
The software giant has on multiple occasions praised the incredibly successful role that technology can play to enhance the education experience.
“To this point, Microsoft, will lead an effort around the use of mobile technologies for education, with a focus on girls and women,” Zecher stated.
“The flexibility and relative affordability of phones allows for easy distribution and use, providing distance learning across geographical barriers. One of the first projects we will be working on is how to bring literacy retention applications thru mobile devices to the underserved across the world.”
The Global Partnership for Girls’ and Women’s Education program is part of the “Better Life. Better Future” initiative from UNESCO.
Zecher explains that the focus of “Better Life. Better Future” is to boost adult literacy programs as well as cut down dropout rates for women.
“We’re currently working on the development and implementation of these apps and look forward to sharing more information on this effort as soon as it’s available,” she added.
“Microsoft has made the commitment to do work that empowers girls and women because we know the impact which education can play and the positive ripples it brings to the quality of life and community. The work we do empowers these young women as the next generation of teachers, parents, entrepreneurs and business leaders who will carry our world forward.”