Key Points

The Alliance for Global Good has taken a significant leap forward with Naspers CEO Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa joining as Co-Chair alongside Smriti Irani. Their strategic partnership aims to revolutionize gender equity through innovative initiatives like SPARK, which will empower 100,000 women entrepreneurs across India. The alliance leverages extensive industry partnerships and research to drive meaningful policy changes. By focusing on digital transformation, economic inclusion, and women's empowerment, they're creating a powerful model for global gender equity.

Key Points: Smriti Irani Allies with Naspers CEO for Global Gender Equity

  • Naspers CEO joins transformative gender equity alliance
  • SPARK initiative aims to empower 100,000 women entrepreneurs
  • Alliance collaborates with 12,000+ industry partners
  • Strategic South-South collaboration driving inclusive growth
3 min read

Smriti Irani gains powerful global ally: Naspers CEO joins as co-chair of Alliance for Global Good

Smriti Irani and Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa launch powerful Alliance for Global Good, driving women's economic empowerment worldwide

"I am honored to join the Alliance for Global Good as Co-Chair - Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa"

New Delhi, July 3

The Alliance for Global Good - Gender Equity and Equality, launched at the World Economic Forum 2024, is accelerating its impact in India and beyond through policy reform, economic inclusion, and large-scale initiatives focused on capacity-building and economic empowerment for women.

The alliance is ensuring women are at the forefront of growth, bridging barriers in entrepreneurship, climate resilience, digital transformation, and care economy reforms.

Recently, joining this movement is the CEO of Naspers, Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa.

Speaking on the occasion, she said, "I am honored to join the Alliance for Global Good as Co-Chair and to continue its vital work in advancing gender inclusion and equity. The Alliance's impactful engagement in shaping policies, fostering collaboration, and driving real change demonstrates the power of collective action."

"Having worked closely with Smriti as Chairperson of the B20 Task Force on Digital Transformation, I have seen firsthand the Alliance's commitment to creating ecosystems and nudges that ensure equitable growth. This shared vision of inclusive growth and shared prosperity aligns deeply with my values, and I am excited to contribute to building a future where every woman and underserved community can thrive in the digital age," Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa added.

Naspers is widely known to be one of the largest technology investors in the world.

Welcoming Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers South Africa, as Co-Chair, marks a strategic step in expanding South-South collaboration rooted in India's development models.

"I am eager to expand the footprint of the Alliance for Global Good in South Africa under the visionary leadership of Ms. Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa. Her exceptional commitment to inclusive growth, her strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to empowering women and underserved communities uniquely position her to drive meaningful change. With her strong leadership and deep understanding of the region's challenges and opportunities, I am confident that together, we can accelerate progress toward gender equity, economic inclusion, and sustainable development across South Africa," said Smriti Zubin Irani, Co-Chair of the Alliance for Global Good - Gender Equity and Equality.

At the heart of the Alliance's India strategy is SPARK - The 100k Collective, a flagship initiative poised to empower 1 lakh (100,000) women entrepreneurs across 300 districts, offering them structured support to transition from micro to medium-scale enterprises.

This initiative is backed by rigorous data mapping based on census and enterprise density to unlock the untapped potential of women-led businesses.

The Alliance has also collaborated with over 12,000 industry partners to foster gender-inclusive economic growth and published 10+ research papers influencing national policy - particularly on the care economy and the gendered impact of climate change.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While the initiative sounds good on paper, I hope they focus on rural areas where women face real barriers. Most such programs benefit urban educated women only. The 300 districts target is promising though.
A
Ananya R
As a woman entrepreneur myself, I'm excited about SPARK initiative! The transition from micro to medium scale is the toughest phase. If they can provide proper mentorship and funding access, this could be game-changing for lakhs of women like me.
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Vikram M
South-South collaboration is the need of the hour. India's development models can inspire many African nations. Good to see our leaders taking global responsibility beyond just talk. More power to such initiatives!
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Sarah B
The care economy aspect is crucial! In India, women spend 7.5 hours daily on unpaid care work vs men's 2.5 hours. Unless this imbalance is addressed through policy reforms, true gender equality in entrepreneurship won't be possible.
K
Karthik V
Hope they maintain transparency in fund utilization. Many such alliances become talking shops with little on-ground impact. The 100k target is ambitious - would love to see quarterly progress reports.

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