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International Women's Day

Bridging the Digital Gender Gap: Mary Kay's Commitment to Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Deborah Gibbins, Chief Operating Officer at Mary Kay, emphasizes the critical role technology plays in all aspects of business, particularly for women entrepreneurs. With 37% of women worldwide lacking internet access, the digital divide poses significant challenges to women's participation in the global economy. Mary Kay is committed to addressing this issue through digital literacy skills, innovative digital tools, and partnerships that aim to empower women entrepreneurs and bridge the digital gender gap.

Key Takeaways:

  • 37% of women worldwide do not have access to the internet, a staggering reality that fuels the International Women's Day theme "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality."
  • Women's exclusion from the digital world has resulted in a $1 trillion loss in gross domestic product for low- and middle-income countries over the last decade.
  • Mary Kay has accelerated its digital innovation efforts, focusing on providing digital upskilling, innovative digital tools, and connecting independent sales force members with customers in more effective and seamless ways.
  • Examples of Mary Kay's commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs include:

+ The "Link & Learn" education platform in Europe, a self-paced, interactive learning system that helps consultants acquire skills crucial for success.

+ The InTouch platform, a one-stop shop mobile platform providing 24-hour access to information and services for IBCs worldwide.

+ The Salesforce.com platform, rolled out to Mary Kay markets via the Mary Kay InTouch site, enabling seamless use of digital technology in day-to-day operations.

+ The Mary Kay Mirror Me app, using augmented reality to apply makeup trends and color products.

+ The Mary Kay Skin Analyzer tool, helping customers understand their skin and create a customized skin care routine.

+ The newly launched Mary Kay Interactive Catalog, bringing catalogs to life with easy product ordering, GIFs, videos, and interactive features.

  • Mary Kay has partnered with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Women Entrepreneurship Accelerator (WEA) to support the WEA Digital Innovation Challenge, aiming to build enabling eco-systems for women entrepreneurs.
  • Mary Kay has also collaborated with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to provide free online entrepreneurship training modules for women entrepreneurs.

Statistics:

  • 37% of women worldwide lack internet access (ITU, 2022)
  • Women's exclusion from the digital world has shaved $1 trillion from the gross domestic product of low- and middle-income countries over the last decade (UN Women, 2022)
  • Mary Kay has launched various digital initiatives, including the "Link & Learn" platform in Europe, the InTouch platform, the Salesforce.com platform, and the Mary Kay Mirror Me app.

Sources:

  • ITU (2022). Facts and Figures 2022 - The gender digital divide (itu.int)
  • UN Women. Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. The Gender Snapshot 2022.
  • Businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230308005697/en/

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