NEW MESSAGES ARE CHANGING WORLDS

Everyone with a mobile phone can participate in change. Mobile phones have changed the world dramatically and, as more people gain access and technology advances, exponentially more change is on its way.

ChangeCorp, a mobile learning content company that specializes in women’s issues, has recently launched The SmartWoman Project, an innovative new mobile phone platform that is already making a big change for women in need.
 

Photo: Courtesy of Vagabond Journey

The Project helps to empower women with mobile phones in developing countries, by providing them with a daily stream of information and educational text messages, written in their local language and cultural context. It also provides women with a social network so they are able to connect directly with each other, share stories, and get advice through the mobile platform.  

Photo: Courtesy of My Science Network

Using the SmartWoman app, these women gain new knowledge and skills, empowering them to change life for themselves, their families, their communities, and, ultimately, the world. Currently, SmartWoman serves women in Indonesia, India, Nigeria, Kenya and Mexico.

Photo: Courtesy of The World Bank

Hana, is an elementary school teacher in Bekasi (Jakarta) Indonesia. For the past year, she has been receiving daily health educational messages through the SmartWoman platform. “SmartWoman helps me in my busy day, so that I can read and learn anytime, anywhere.”

Photo: Gregory Warner

Liberty Oseni, a small business owner in Abuja, Nigeria, says: “Receiving messages on my phone helps me in every aspect of my life.” Oseni appreciates the information she gets about how to better raise her family, run her business, and take care of herself.

Photo: Courtesy of the Cherie Blair Foundation

Nearly 200,000 women are now registered as users of SmartWoman. The change we see in them is remarkable. And so, the Project is growing, steadily adding new countries to its base. “SmartGirl” for teenagers, and “SmartSister” for university co-eds are coming soon.

Louise Guido, CEO of ChangeCorp, sums it up emphatically, “The ‘action’ button for change lies in the hands of everyone who owns a phone.”

Photo: Courtesy of Change Corp. Smart Woman App

You can download the SmartWoman app and become a member for just $5 per month, providing a woman in the developing world free access to information and expert advice in areas of Leadership, Life Skills, Communication Skills, Financial Literacy, Health, Parenting, Family/Work Life Balance, Legal Rights and Business.

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