According to reports, two Bengaluru-based companies, The Nudge Institute and Mphasis, have announced a 'Digital Naukri Challenge', to create digital work opportunities for 1 million women by 2030.

The challenge, which has a prize fund of Rs 6.5 crore and lasts for 20 months, encourages tech companies and innovators to open up profitable job opportunities for more Indian women, according to Deepa Nagraj, senior vice president and global head of Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem and Communications, Mphasis.

According to The Nudge Institute, the companies have collaborated with Manthan, a Government of India platform for research and innovation, to promote collaborations at scale.

"By bridging the digital divide and unlocking opportunities at scale, this initiative showcases how collective efforts can create an inclusive future, where technology drives progress and transforms lives," says Sapna Pothi, director, of strategic alliances, principal scientific adviser, GoI, who has also played a vital role in the development of Manthan.

While female workforce participation is rising, data shows that women remain concentrated in a few low-productivity sectors, highlighting the need to close solution gaps. At Mphasis, we're committed to supporting initiatives that drive real change,” says Deepa Nagraj.

“In urban India, for instance, the labor force participation rate for single women aged 25-29 is 60 percent, as compared to an abysmal 20 percent among their married counterparts. Interestingly, at least a third of housewives have expressed an interest in formal employment,” adds Deepa.

Kanishka Chatterjee, director, The Nudge Prize says, "This is the most ambitious challenge we've ever launched. The untapped potential of millions of homemakers and aspiring women, eager to break free and actively participate in this economy, is nothing short of inspiring."

“Once a cohort of 8-10 organizations is selected from the applicant pool, they will kickstart their 20-month journey of developing and testing their idea for scalability and retention, among other outcomes, “adds Kanishka.